Passenger Car Weight Up Nearly 400 kg in 12 Years, Driven by Electrification and Feature Upgrades

In 2024, the average curb weight of new passenger cars in China reached 1,704 kilograms, an increase of nearly 400 kilograms compared to 2012. Notably, the weight gain from 2020 to 2024 exceeded the total increase recorded between 2012 and 2020. This trend is primarily driven by new energy vehicles (NEVs). Due to the inclusion of traction batteries, electric motors, power electronics, and battery protection structures, NEVs are significantly heavier than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Currently, the battery packs of mainstream household NEVs typically weigh between 500 and 650 kilograms, with some long-range models reaching 700 to 800 kilograms. To address this rising vehicle weight trend, the national standard "Limits of Energy Consumption for Electric Vehicles – Part 1: Passenger Cars" took effect on January 1, 2024, aiming to drive technological upgrades by setting energy consumption limits. Additionally, starting in 2026, a preferential purchase tax policy will stipulate that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with a curb weight exceeding 2,710 kilograms must achieve an energy consumption of no more than 19.1 kWh per 100 kilometers under the CLTC driving cycle to qualify for a 50% reduction in purchase tax.