EV Curb Weight Surges; Regulations May Cap Energy Use and Mass

In recent years, the average curb weight of new energy passenger vehicles in China has reached 1,939.3 kilograms, a 27.5% increase compared to 2020. Some models are even heavier—for instance, the Zunjie V800 weighs 3.1 metric tons, and the Yangwang U8L reaches 3.6 metric tons. This weight gain primarily stems from efforts to enhance user experience, such as increasing battery capacity. Heavier electric vehicles inflict greater damage on road infrastructure: a single 2.8-ton electric vehicle causes as much pavement wear as 12 conventional 1.5-ton gasoline-powered cars. Currently, there is an estimated funding gap of approximately RMB 300 billion for road maintenance, which largely relies on gasoline taxes—a cost that EV users do not directly bear—sparking debates over fairness. Hainan Province previously solicited public comments on a road mileage-based fee system but has not implemented any related policies. Similarly, Oregon in the United States piloted a mileage tax, which faced opposition due to privacy concerns. Additionally, increased vehicle weight brings safety and cost issues, including longer braking distances and reduced tire lifespan. Going forward, regulatory measures may be introduced to limit energy consumption and curb weight for electric vehicles. Automakers will need to address these emerging industry challenges by optimizing their "three-electric" systems (battery, motor, and power electronics) and improving overall vehicle integration to reduce weight.