KATHMANDU: China will introduce the world’s first mandatory energy consumption standard for electric vehicles from January 1, 2026.
The new rule will apply to pure electric passenger cars and will have full legal force on all newly produced models.
The regulation, titled “Energy Consumption Limits for Electric Vehicles – Part 1: Passenger Cars,” replaces China’s earlier recommended guidelines. According to Chinese media reports, unlike before, compliance will now be compulsory.
The new standard sets maximum electricity consumption limits based on vehicle weight and technical setup. Compared to the previous framework, the requirements are about 11 percent stricter.
For pure electric cars weighing around two tones, the limit is capped at 15.1 kWh per 100 km. Authorities say efficiency upgrades could improve driving range by around 7 percent without increasing battery size.
The rule covers only pure electric passenger vehicles. Plug-in hybrids and extended-range EVs are excluded, though their technical requirements will also be tightened under separate policies.
Efficiency gains are expected to come from system-level improvements, such as better motors, electronics, and vehicle design, not larger batteries.
The new energy standard will be directly tied to purchase tax exemptions. From 2026–2027, only pure EVs that meet the mandatory energy limits will qualify for tax benefits.
Models already listed in the tax exemption catalogue by the end of 2025 will carry forward only if they comply. Non-compliant vehicles may be removed from both production and tax incentive eligibility.
Major Chinese brands like BYD and Geely already meet the new thresholds on many newer models. These vehicles can continue production with minimal changes.
However, heavier and less efficient models, especially in the two-ton class, may need upgrades or face phase-out. Automakers are expected to focus more on energy efficiency across platforms to stay competitive.
