China’s booming new energy vehicle (NEV) industry requires innovative leaps in software and charging infrastructure to sustain its remarkable growth, according to Miao Wei, vice chairman of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee and former minister of industry and information technology.
In an exclusive interview, Miao emphasized the critical role of software, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in driving the NEV industry forward. “Software defines cars,” he stated, highlighting the need for advancements in core software and AI-powered technologies like autonomous driving.
NEVs, alongside lithium batteries and solar panels, are emerging as China’s “new three pillars” of export, solidifying the nation’s position as a global innovation leader. Initially, China aimed for NEVs to account for over 50 percent of new car sales by 2035. However, Miao revealed projections suggesting this target could be achieved as early as 2025.
Consumer acceptance of NEVs is surging, with the market share in China exceeding 31 percent in 2023. This trend is mirrored internationally, as NEV exports skyrocketed by 77 percent to reach 1.2 million units in the same year.
Despite this impressive growth, Miao cautioned that the industry must overcome significant challenges to maintain momentum. He pointed to the need for advancements in software development and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
“By the end of last year, there were about 2.4 NEVs for every charging station,” Miao noted, emphasizing that the increase in charging poles hasn’t kept pace with the rapid promotion of NEVs. He believes that expanding the charging network would allow for lighter, lower-capacity batteries in NEVs, ultimately leading to lower vehicle prices and reduced energy consumption.
“This is a virtuous cycle process,” Miao concluded, underscoring the interconnected nature of software innovation and infrastructure development in propelling China’s NEV industry forward.
Reference(s):
Tech Talk: China's NEV boom needs software and charging pole boost
cgtn.com
