Chinese Passenger Cars Gain Nearly 400 kg in 12 Years; Weight Reduction Emerges as Key Trend for NEVs

Data shows that the average curb weight of passenger cars in China reached 1,704 kilograms in 2024, nearly 400 kilograms heavier than in 2012. Around the year 2000, the typical width of household new energy vehicles was about 1.7 meters; by 2015, this had increased to 1.8 meters. In recent years, some family-use vehicles have approached a curb weight of two metric tons, drawing public concern. Automotive engineers note that for every additional 10 millimeters in vehicle width, a new energy vehicle can accommodate approximately 0.8 kWh more battery capacity. Experts explain that multiple factors contribute to increasing vehicle weight: some automakers emphasize long driving range as a key selling point, necessitating large-capacity battery packs weighing 700–800 kilograms. Additionally, certain models add features such as onboard toilets to differentiate their products. Effective January 1, 2024, a mandatory national standard on energy consumption for electric vehicles officially took effect. New vehicle models failing to meet these energy efficiency requirements will not be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and thus cannot be manufactured, sold, or registered. This policy aims to guide automakers in controlling vehicle dimensions and weight, curbing the ongoing trend of new energy vehicles continuously “gaining weight.”