2026 New Energy Vehicle Rural Campaign Launches with 155 Models Including Xiaomi and Tesla; BMW Halts Production of Current Domestic EV

The 2026 New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Rural Promotion Campaign officially launched on June 18, jointly spearheaded by five government departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce. Under the theme “Green, Low-Carbon, Intelligent, Safe—Smart Mobility for Thousands of Counties and Towns, Green Benefits for Millions of Rural Households,” this year’s initiative features broader coverage and more comprehensive supporting services. Notably, it introduces for the first time an “unlimited quota” trade-in policy for rural consumers replacing their old vehicles with new energy models. The concurrently released list of eligible rural-market NEVs includes 155 models, featuring mainstream offerings from established brands such as FAW Hongqi, BYD, and GAC Aion, as well as newcomers like the Xiaomi SU7 and Tesla Model 3—marking the first inclusion of both domestic EV startups and foreign-branded vehicles. The lineup spans affordable commuter cars, mid-to-high-end passenger vehicles, and select commercial logistics vans to address diverse usage scenarios in county and township markets. The campaign will also coordinate efforts from charging/battery-swap providers, financial institutions, and insurers to bring integrated smart-connected and photovoltaic-energy-storage-charging solutions to rural areas, building a full-lifecycle service ecosystem. Separately, BMW announced it will cease production of domestically manufactured all-electric models based on combustion-engine platforms—including the i3, i5, and iX1—starting July 2026. BMW clarified that this move reflects adjustments in product lifecycle and capacity planning, not a withdrawal from China’s domestic BEV market. The decision aims to concentrate resources on localizing its next-generation pure-electric platform. The first locally produced next-gen model will be the long-wheelbase BMW iX3, scheduled for production at BMW’s Shenyang plant in Q4 2026. Built on a dedicated BEV architecture, it will feature an 800V high-voltage system across all domains, sixth-generation eDrive electric propulsion, and a 108 kWh large cylindrical battery, delivering over 900 km CLTC range. A 10-minute charge will add approximately 400 km of range. The vehicle will also debut BMW’s X operating system, a 17.9-inch central display, 3D head-up display, and a full-scenario navigation-assist system co-developed with Momenta. A long-wheelbase version of the next-gen i3 will follow, with at least six new-platform models expected within 24 months of the iX3’s launch. Robin Zeng, Chairman of CATL, recently stated that achieving million-unit-scale deployment of all-solid-state batteries before 2030 is “highly unlikely,” noting current technology maturity stands only at TRL 4 (on a 9-point scale). He highlighted that all-solid-state cell costs range from RMB 1.6 to 2.2 per Wh—roughly 3 to 5 times higher than LFP batteries—and emphasized persistent challenges with “solid-solid interface” contact and unproven mass-production processes, leaving commercialization constrained by both performance and cost hurdles. On June 15, Leapmotor commenced localized production of its C10 model at the Gurun plant in Kedah, Malaysia, in partnership with local distributor Cycle & Carriage and leveraging Stellantis Group’s manufacturing infrastructure. Local assembly is expected to shorten delivery lead times and optimize costs. The B10 model will subsequently be introduced at the same facility. Additionally, on June 17, Hozon Auto founder Fang Yunzhou and former CEO Zhang Yong received a new equity freeze order totaling RMB 116 million, affecting their stake held through the Tongxiang Hechuang Deli II Enterprise Management Consulting Partnership. The three-year freeze was issued by Shanghai Changning District People’s Court. This marks the largest single freeze against the two individuals since their debt risks surfaced in 2025 and represents a continuation of prior judicial asset freezes.