According to several analysts, dozens of Chinese electric car brands could disappear by 2026, victims of a destructive price war and margins that have become untenable. After encouraging the emergence of an infinite number of manufacturers, Beijing now seems to accept (or even provoke) a natural selection, from which more solid, profitable groups capable of establishing themselves internationally will emerge.
In the same spirit, China will introduce the first mandatory energy consumption standards for electric vehicles in 2026, a world first. Gone are the days when it was enough to carry a large battery to display a flattering range, manufacturers will now have to respect precise thresholds of kWh/100 km, under penalty of losing certain tax advantages.
Fewer gadgets, more security
Third strong signal: the announced ban, from 2027, on fully retractable “Tesla” type door handles on cars sold in China. By imposing a mechanical mechanism that is functional in all circumstances, the authorities prioritize real safety, particularly in the event of an accident or electrical breakdown, to the detriment of spectacular design. Here again, it is quite a symbol, since certain solutions which have become gimmicks of electrical modernity are now considered incompatible with the requirements of reliability and occupant protection.
Obviously, therefore, Chinese policy is changing its philosophy. Not that the State is disengaging from electricity, but the time has come for maturity, with less tolerance, more rules, and the desire to bring order to a sector that is, so to speak, anarchic. A way, too, of showing a white hand to the markets which are becoming more and more defensive? It’s quite possible. One thing is certain, we know well in Europe that the more standards a car must meet, the more expensive it is. Chinese imports will therefore lose some of their competitiveness.
