EV Owners Struggle Against Automakers' Systemic Power

In 2025, the number of domestic new energy vehicle (NEV) recalls hit a record high, with over 70% of issues concentrated in emerging areas such as battery management, software control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Despite the frequent problems, high-profile consumer维权 incidents have been fewer compared to those involving conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. This is largely because NEV malfunctions often stem from complex algorithms and software logic, making it difficult for ordinary owners to accurately describe or provide evidence of the faults. More critically, vehicle operational data is controlled by automakers, leaving owners frequently required to "prove their own innocence" in disputes—a process that entails high technical barriers and significant costs. Additionally, issues like exaggerated range claims, sluggish smart cockpit performance, and ambiguous boundaries of ADAS functionality further complicate redress efforts due to the absence of clear national standards. Resolving this asymmetrical contest between "systems and individuals" urgently requires enhanced regulation, standardized guidelines, and clear data ownership rights to truly achieve technological equity.