Rising EV Weight Sparks Road Damage Debate; Authorities Review Tax Reform

In recent years, new energy vehicles (NEVs), equipped with large-capacity batteries and other features, have generally become heavier, with most models now weighing between 2 to 3 metric tons. Some even approach 4 tons in curb weight, sparking discussions about increased road wear and the fairness of road maintenance fee allocation. Industry insiders revealed that relevant authorities are studying adjustments to the tax and fee system related to the automotive industry—including road maintenance fees—to better align with the evolving industrial landscape. Ye Shengji, Chief Engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, stated that China's automotive industry has undergone significant changes, yet many current tax and fee standards still follow policies established in the last century, making them ill-suited to today’s realities. He emphasized that reforming vehicle-related taxation requires thorough research, coordinated planning, and rigorous evaluation, and therefore cannot be achieved overnight. In the NEV sector, purchase tax exemptions and other preferential policies previously introduced to accelerate industrialization have already begun phasing out. As the market matures further, related tax policies are expected to be refined accordingly. To address the trend of increasing vehicle weight, the national standard "Limits of Energy Consumption for Electric Vehicles – Part 1: Passenger Cars" took effect on January 1, 2024. By setting stricter energy consumption benchmarks, the standard encourages automakers to upgrade technologies and better manage energy efficiency. Additionally, starting in 2026, a new technical criterion for purchase tax incentives will apply: battery electric passenger cars with a curb weight exceeding 2,710 kg must achieve an energy consumption of no more than 19.1 kWh per 100 kilometers under CLTC driving conditions to qualify for a 50% purchase tax reduction—a measure designed to discourage unchecked increases in vehicle weight.