又降价了，新能源乘用车均价跌破16万元，六年来首次，纯电动车降得最狠，为什么？

Core Insights - Recent price reductions in the new energy vehicle market indicate a significant shift, with average prices for new energy passenger cars dropping below 160,000 yuan for the first time in six years [3][8] - The average price of new energy passenger cars in September was reported at 158,000 yuan, reflecting a decrease of 9.8% compared to previous periods [4][8] Price Reductions - Multiple popular new energy models have seen varying degrees of price cuts, with promotional discounts averaging 10.2% in September, an increase of 2.6 percentage points year-on-year [4][5] - The average price reduction for new energy passenger cars in September was approximately 19,000 yuan, with pure electric models experiencing the most significant price drops [4][5] Market Dynamics - The number of models experiencing price cuts remained stable at 23 in September, with 14 being new energy passenger cars [5] - The price competition is primarily driven by the introduction of new models that break previous price barriers rather than merely enhancing configurations without lowering prices [6][8] Sales Trends - The sales volume of new energy vehicles priced below 50,000 yuan has shown a steady increase, with 670,000 units sold in the first nine months of this year [10] - The penetration rates for micro and A0-level new energy passenger cars have reached 100% and 80%, respectively, indicating strong market acceptance [8] Cost Factors - The decline in battery-grade lithium carbonate prices, which are projected to average around 91,000 yuan per ton in 2024, has contributed to the overall reduction in new energy vehicle prices [10] - Factors such as technological advancements, supply chain cost reductions, and economies of scale are driving the price reductions in the new energy vehicle market [10]