经济观察报·2025-05-18 06:25Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant challenges and contradictions in the after-sales service of electric vehicles (EVs) in China, particularly the legal issues surrounding third-party repair shops and the monopolistic practices of car manufacturers [1][2][3]. Industry Challenges - There is a talent gap of 824,000 in the after-sales service for EVs in China, while third-party repair shops struggle to benefit from the transition to electric vehicles due to resistance from car manufacturers [4][6]. - The legal landscape is becoming increasingly hostile for independent repair technicians, as seen in multiple cases where they have been sued for performing repairs on EVs [2][6]. Repair Costs - The average annual maintenance cost for EVs is reported to be 1,046 yuan, significantly lower than the 2,072 yuan for gasoline vehicles, but repair costs for specific incidents can be much higher for EVs [13][14]. - The high repair costs for EVs are attributed to manufacturers' practices of replacing rather than repairing damaged parts, leading to inflated service prices [14][15]. Ownership and Rights - The article raises questions about vehicle ownership versus usage rights, as car manufacturers impose restrictions on where and how vehicles can be repaired, often through user agreements that limit consumer choices [9][10]. - Many consumers feel that they only possess usage rights rather than true ownership due to these restrictions [9][10]. Regulatory Environment - The existing regulations regarding the disclosure of repair information are not effectively enforced, leading to a lack of transparency in the repair market for EVs [19][22]. - Recent policy initiatives aim to lower repair costs and improve the supply chain for EV parts, but the implementation of these policies remains a challenge [21][22]. Future Outlook - The industry is witnessing a push for new standards and regulations to address the repair challenges faced by EV owners, with a focus on improving the after-sales service framework [21][22].