New Energy Passenger Cars Gain Nearly 400 kg in Curb Weight Over 12 Years, Straining Urban Traffic

In 2024, the average curb weight of new passenger vehicles sold domestically reached 1,704 kilograms, an increase of nearly 400 kilograms compared to 1,312 kilograms in 2012. This trend toward heavier vehicles is primarily driven by automakers' widespread adoption of large-capacity battery packs to alleviate consumers' range anxiety, with some new energy vehicles (NEVs) featuring batteries weighing as much as 700–800 kilograms. Additionally, the inclusion of increasingly sophisticated interior features—such as built-in refrigerators and large entertainment screens—has further contributed to higher vehicle weights. As vehicle dimensions and weights continue to grow, urban infrastructure—including roadways and parking spaces—has not expanded accordingly, posing new challenges for daily commuting and traffic management. In response, policymakers have introduced adjustments: starting in 2026, a new national standard will set energy consumption limits based on vehicle weight, and eligibility for purchase tax exemptions for NEVs will be tied to compliance with these limits.