Yi Cai:

In recent years, the new energy vehicle industry has maintained rapid development. Can you talk about the development of this industry in 2022? What measures will be adopted by the MIIT to promote its high-quality development? Thank you!

Tian Yulong:

Thank you. I will answer your questions. The new energy vehicle industry is a major direction for the transformation and upgrading of the global automobile industry. This industry has been developing rapidly in all countries. And it is also an important option for emission reduction. Last year was another bumper year for the development of the new energy vehicle industry, mainly reflected in the following aspects.

First, China has been leading the world in market size. In 2022, a total of 7.058 million new energy vehicles were produced, and 6.887 million were sold, with a year-on-year increase of 96.9% and 93.4%, respectively, ranking top globally for eight consecutive years. The sales of new energy vehicles accounted for 25.6% of the total sales of new vehicles. The data is promising, and the industry shows a strong momentum for development.

Second, new breakthroughs have been made in key technologies. The energy density of mass-produced power batteries stood at 300 watt-hours per kilo, reaching an advanced level globally. The gravimetric specific power of the driving motor surpassed 4.8 kWh per kilo, with the highest rotational speed reaching 16,000 rpm. These indicators show that great improvement has been achieved in key components and parts. In particular, breakthroughs have been made in technologies concerning laser radar, AI chips, and intelligent cabins, reaching an advanced global level.

Third, brand competitiveness has markedly improved. In 2022, sales of Chinese-brand new energy passenger vehicles took up 79.9% of the total sales in the domestic market, up 5.4% year on year. The new energy vehicle exports reached 679,000, a 1.2-fold increase over the previous year. Among the global top 10 enterprises in terms of sales of new energy vehicles, three are Chinese enterprises. Among the global top 10 enterprises in terms of installed capacity of power batteries, six are Chinese. The competitiveness and brand impact have been increasingly stronger. 

Fourth, supporting facilities have been increasingly optimized. As of the end of 2022, a total of 5.21 million charging plies and 1,973 battery charging stations have been established. 2.593 million charging piles and 675 battery charging stations were added in 2022. The construction of battery charging and swapping facilities has been notably accelerated. At the same time, over 10,000 service outlets for recycling power batteries have been built, basically ensuring that people can access battery recycling services close to home.

Currently, China's new energy vehicle industry has entered a period of market expansion across the board and maintained rapid growth. Next, we will strengthen our work in the following aspects.

First, stronger policy support will be provided. We will work with relevant departments to establish a coordination mechanism for developing this industry and strengthen coordination and synergy between central and local governments. In particular, we will promote the implementation of supporting policies concerning vehicle purchase tax, vehicle and vessel tax, license plates, and others. We will formulate a roadmap for green development of the automobile industry, revise and issue "double credits" management provisions for corporate average fuel consumption and new-energy vehicles, and launch trials for the market access of intelligent connected vehicles.

Second, steady performance will be ensured. We will conduct research on formulating follow-up supporting policies for the new energy vehicle industry. We will promote the application of battery-charging facilities and the development of fuel-cell vehicles. In particular, we will launch pilot programs in establishing pioneering zones for comprehensive electrification of vehicles in public areas in cities. Further steps will be taken to promote quality brands, and to maintain consumer market stability.

Third, integrated innovation will be supported. We will give full play to the role of leading enterprises and national manufacturing innovation centers and promote small, medium, and large enterprises to pursue development through greater synergy. We will accelerate research and industrial development of new technologies, including new types of batteries, automotive-grade chips, and automotive operating systems, advance integrated development of autonomous driving vehicles and the cooperative vehicle infrastructure system, and enhance the integrated and innovation-driven development of the new energy vehicle industry and sectors such as energy, transportation, and ICT.

Fourth, the development environment will be optimized. We will carry out strict management of production access and provide stronger guidance for investment to avoid low-level and redundant construction. Development and distribution of domestic and overseas resources will be carried out in a coordinated way to ensure the supply of raw materials and key parts. Regulations on recycling power batteries will be formulated at a faster pace to improve the system for recycling power batteries. Greater efforts will be taken to advance the construction of charging piles, and their accessibility will be improved to provide sound facilities and environment for the development of new energy vehicles.

Thank you!