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China Puts the Brakes on Electric Cars from 2026

Published January 2, 2026, 06:22
China Puts the Brakes on Electric Cars from 2026

Until now, electric cars have been growing in size, weight, and battery capacity with few restrictions. However, from 2026, in China – the world's largest EV market – the party is over. The first mandatory energy consumption law for electric vehicles is coming into effect, changing everything. For decades, fuel consumption regulations have shaped the automotive industry. In the world of electric vehicles, however, limits have been unclear until now. China is addressing this gap by introducing a strict, binding framework for the energy efficiency of EVs from January 1, 2026. The new regulations are based on vehicle weight and set upper limits on energy consumption. The move is expected to significantly impact the automotive industry and lead to changes in the design and manufacture of electric cars.