Despite challenges,China's new-energy vehicle(NEV)industry continues to thrive,showcasing its ability to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing global market.The innovative vitality and resilience of the industry have demonstrated that external pressures cannot stifle the development and overseas expansion of this sector.
During a speech at the China EV100 Forum 2025 on Sunday,Wang Qing,deputy director of the Institute of Market Economy at the Development Research Center of the State Council,projected that China's NEV sales are expected to reach 17 million this year,with the domestic market share approaching 58 percent.
If realized,this forecast would represent a 32 percent year-on-year increase from the 2024 record of 12.87 million units,underscoring the industry's dual drivers:continuous expansion of the domestic market and rapid breakthroughs in overseas markets.
This growth projection stems not from scale alone but from relentless technological breakthroughs within the industry.For instance,CATL's Shenxing PLUS is the world's first Lithium Iron Phosphate(LFP)battery that achieves a range above 1,000 kilometers with 4C superfast charging.NIO has introduced its battery-swap model in European markets such as Germany.This model allows car owners to complete battery replacement in just a few minutes,far outperforming traditional charging networks in terms of energy replenishment efficiency,and has thus become a major selling point for European consumers.
These technological advancements not only underpin the explosive growth of the domestic NEV market but also shatter the stereotype of Chinese automakers as suppliers of low-end manufacturing.They highlight the technological leadership of China's NEV industry on the global stage.
However,the path to overseas expansion has not been smooth.In October last year,the EU announced it would impose definitive countervailing duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles(EVs)for a period of five years.This protectionist measure cast a shadow over Chinese NEV exports to Europe.Nevertheless,the Chinese NEV industry,relying on its own strength,has broken through this obstacle.
Even in the face of the EU's tariff measures,Chinese NEVs have continued to make steady progress in the global market,demonstrating extraordinary vitality and resilience.
In the first two months of 2025,China exported 282,000 NEVs,a 54.5 percent year-on-year increase.This development shows that truly competitive industries cannot be blocked by trade barriers.The global expansion of Chinese NEVs is not merely a commercial endeavor;it is also a significant driving force for the global green transition.
With containment strategies failing,collaboration emerges as the rational path forward.Industry-level partnerships between China and the EU are already flourishing.In mid-March,the joint venture of Volkswagen(VW)and Chinese automaker FAW Group said that it would launch 11 new VW and Jetta branded models tailored for the Chinese market from 2026.
The new models,as part of a deal signed in Wolfsburg,Germany between FAW and VW,comprise six EVs,two plug-in hybrids,two extended-rangers and one gasoline-powered vehicle.Meanwhile,BMW announced a partnership with Huawei to develop an in-car digital ecosystem in China based on the technology company's Harmony operating system.
On Friday,Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with European Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic for a discussion that China's Ministry of Commerce described as a frank and pragmatic exchange of views.This could be seen as a positive signal for future cooperation between China and the EU in the NEV sector.
The two sides have immense potential for cooperation in specific areas.By pooling resources in joint research and development,a combination of China's vast data resources and the EU's sophisticated algorithm development capabilities could lead to the creation of more reliable and efficient self-driving systems.By aligning regulations,China and the EU can streamline trade processes and reduce market fragmentation.
In terms of sustainable supply chains,both sides can share best practices in energy-efficient manufacturing processes,using renewable energy sources in production facilities and reducing waste.In addition,cooperation can be carried out in market promotion and after-sales services to jointly explore the global NEV market.
By leveraging their respective strengths,China and the EU can chart a course toward a more sustainable,innovative and prosperous future for the global automotive industry.
