The first Quality Report on New Energy Vehicles in Cold Regions was recently released at the “2025 Automotive Extreme Environment Testing Technology Seminar.” The National Cold Region Motor Vehicle Quality Inspection and Testing Center presented this report, which focuses on the quality of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in cold climates. The report also highlights plans for specialized “cold region tests” for NEVs.
In recent years, consumers have expressed significant concerns regarding the performance of NEV batteries and charging systems under low temperatures, often complaining about reduced range and severe battery degradation. Data indicates a substantial disparity in NEV penetration rates between northern and southern regions of the country. In particular, in the northern market, performance in cold environments, including range and charging capabilities, has become a critical factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions.
Research shows that winter temperatures between 5°C and 15°C cover approximately 60% of NEV users nationwide, indicating these areas are hotspots for new energy consumption. Data from January to April this year reveals a clear “north-south consumption” difference in NEVs. Southern cities such as Hainan, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Guangxi lead in NEV penetration rates, with Hainan reaching 64.8% and Guangdong, Zhejiang, Guangxi around 54%. In contrast, regions in northern China, including Hebei, Jilin, and Liaoning, show a penetration rate of only about 35%, with areas like Heilongjiang and Qinghai dropping below 30%. Even in Beijing, where the NEV market has developed well, the penetration rate is just 47.7%.
The report analyzes the reasons behind the lower frequency of NEV purchases among northern users, noting that the main complaints focus on three systems: interior design, battery and charging systems, and cockpit technology, which account for 72% of all reported issues. Particularly, the battery and charging systems face challenges like poor cold-weather range (comprising 79% of issues related to this system), significant battery degradation, and high energy consumption. Additionally, a report released in January by the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute indicated that the pass rate for intelligent NEV safety features under complex conditions, such as fog, backlight, and snow, is below 40%. Under an average temperature of -20°C, the pass rate for resistance to degradation is over 80%, with charging efficiency at 60%, while heating effectiveness from the air conditioning system only reached 50%. This data necessitates consumers to plan their travel safety and energy use more thoughtfully during winter.
The introduction of specialized cold region tests for NEVs has been emphasized by Li Jingsheng, director of the National Cold Region Motor Vehicle Quality Inspection and Testing Center. He stated that the report will objectively analyze the performance of NEVs in cold climates based on extensive testing data, revealing the current quality status of NEVs in these regions and providing data support for optimizing industry technology routes and improving standard systems.
The report will regularly conduct specialized tests on mainstream NEV models based on the “Automotive Extreme Environment Testing Evaluation Standard System.” This testing will cover various models, including pure electric, plug-in hybrids, and range-extended vehicles, focusing on six key performance areas: range, charging, heating, indoor air quality, corrosion resistance, and reliability. The tests will also include assessments of the adaptability of emerging technologies such as steer-by-wire chassis and assisted intelligent driving in cold regions.
According to data from the Passenger Car Association and the National Bureau of Statistics, the production of NEVs reached 4.4 million units from January to April 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 44% and accounting for 43% of total vehicle production. Li Jingsheng believes that establishing a comprehensive and scientific testing standard system for NEV performance in cold regions is crucial for enhancing consumer confidence, guiding technological innovation in the industry, and promoting high-quality industry development.
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