Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-11-01 12:16Core Viewpoint - The new policy regarding the purchase tax for electric vehicles (EVs) in China marks a significant shift, transitioning from full exemption to a 50% reduction starting in 2026, which indicates a gradual reduction in government support for the EV sector after a decade of incentives [1][4]. Policy Changes - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Taxation Administration announced that from 2026, the purchase tax for EVs will be halved, with a maximum tax reduction of 15,000 yuan per vehicle [1]. - This change signifies the end of the full exemption policy that has been in place since 2014, reflecting a broader trend of decreasing government support for the EV industry [1][4]. Market Performance - In the first nine months of this year, China's retail sales of new energy vehicles grew by 24.4%, with a retail penetration rate reaching 57.8% in September [2]. - The data indicates that the EV industry has crossed the critical threshold of market cultivation and is entering a period of mainstream consumer adoption [4]. Company Strategies - In anticipation of the new tax policy, over ten car manufacturers, including Xiaomi, NIO, and Li Auto, have announced plans to cover the tax difference for customers to retain users during this transition period [4][6]. - Xiaomi has committed to fully covering the tax difference for orders placed by November 30, 2025, if delivery is delayed due to the company’s reasons, with a maximum subsidy of 15,000 yuan [6][7]. Competitive Landscape - The competition among new energy vehicle manufacturers remains intense, with companies like Li Auto and NIO also introducing tax subsidy policies for their new models launched in September [7][8]. - The introduction of tax subsidies for new models is seen as a strategy to maintain competitiveness and build market presence ahead of the upcoming sales season [8][9]. Production and Delivery Challenges - Many manufacturers are facing production ramp-up challenges, particularly for new models launched recently, which necessitates the implementation of tax subsidies to secure customer orders [9][10]. - Companies like Xiaomi are experiencing long delivery times, with some customers needing to wait until 2026 for their vehicles, prompting the need for subsidies to alleviate customer concerns about increased costs [9][10]. Future Outlook - As the policy support diminishes, new energy vehicle manufacturers will need to enhance their competitiveness through core technology, product excellence, and efficient cost control to thrive in the evolving market landscape [13][14]. - The industry is expected to shift from being policy-driven to market-driven, with a focus on technological innovation and service quality becoming critical for long-term success [13][16].