The 2025 Hefei International New Energy Vehicle Exhibition launched this week, drawing global industry leaders to Anhui Province as China solidifies its position as a pioneer in sustainable transportation. Over 500 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions showcased cutting-edge EV technologies, with analysts calling the event a barometer for the sector’s post-2025 trajectory.
A centerpiece of the expo was the 2025 China Urban NEV Manufacturing Vitality Index, ranking Shenzhen first in technological innovation due to its 68% year-on-year growth in EV-related patents. Hefei’s third-place finish surprised observers, attributed to its 42% increase in NEV industrial investment since 2023.
‘This isn’t just about vehicles – it’s about reimagining urban ecosystems,’ said NIO founder William Li during a panel discussion. His comments followed the report’s recommendation for cities to develop ‘NEV-specific infrastructure corridors’ combining charging networks with smart grid integration.
BYD’s announcement of a $2.1 billion expansion in Anhui underscores the province’s strategic importance, with its NEV output value reaching $48 billion in 2024. The move aligns with China’s broader push to develop world-class automotive clusters, leveraging 5G and AI integration across production chains.
With pure EV sales surpassing 1.8 million units in August alone, the exhibition’s focus on battery-swapping innovations and export-ready models signals China’s ambition to lead the global transition to electric mobility.
