CCTV Exposes Chaos in Low-Speed EV Production: Unlicensed Workshops Use Obsolete Motors and Used Batteries

Recent investigations have revealed that some low-speed electric vehicles—commonly known as "Lao Tou Le" (literally "Old Man's Joy")—are being assembled and produced by unlicensed private workshops lacking official motor vehicle manufacturing qualifications. These workshops source thin sheet-metal body shells and recycled, obsolete motors, operate without the required Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) type approval, and fail to obtain China Compulsory Certification (3C). They print their own vehicle compliance certificates, arbitrarily listing manufacturer names and technical specifications, thereby seriously violating national product quality and safety standards. Moreover, these vehicles frequently use second-hand traction batteries salvaged from decommissioned new energy vehicles. For instance, using refurbished cells in a "60V 100Ah" lithium iron phosphate battery pack can reduce costs by approximately RMB 800 compared to using brand-new cells. Driven by profit margins, sellers commonly pass off used batteries as new. Such repurposed batteries suffer from reduced range and shortened lifespans, and are prone to thermal runaway under bumpy road conditions or high temperatures, potentially causing short circuits, fires, or even explosions. In response, multiple cities have begun implementing bans or restrictions. Beijing has completely prohibited "Lao Tou Le" vehicles from operating on roads and parking in public areas since January 1, 2024. Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, banned their use on local roads starting April 21. Cities including Hefei, Tianjin, Zibo, Sanmenxia, and Bengbu have also introduced similar restrictions or outright bans.