晚点LatePost·2025-06-19 15:43Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is witnessing a shift towards hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as companies adapt to consumer preferences and market dynamics, leading to larger fuel tanks in electric vehicles to alleviate range anxiety [4][17][39]. Group 1: Market Trends - Audi has retracted its plan to stop developing fuel vehicles by 2033, indicating a need for a diverse product lineup that includes electric, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion engine models [4]. - The retail sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles increased by 28% in the first five months of the year, reaching 1.69 million units, with a projected growth of 76.9% in 2024, significantly outpacing pure electric vehicle growth [5][39]. - The proportion of plug-in hybrids in the overall new energy vehicle sales rose to 42.1%, an increase of 8.6 percentage points year-on-year [5]. Group 2: Vehicle Specifications - New energy vehicles are now equipped with larger fuel tanks, with some models exceeding their traditional fuel counterparts. For instance, the Lynk & Co 06 has a fuel tank capacity of 51 liters, up from 35 liters, and the BYD Seal 06 DM-i features a 65-liter tank [6][7]. - The average fuel tank capacity of new energy vehicles in China has increased by 52.6% from 2017 to 2024, reaching 58 liters, which is comparable to traditional fuel vehicles [14]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Consumer concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety are driving the demand for vehicles with larger fuel tanks, as the current charging infrastructure is insufficient to meet the growing number of electric vehicle users [17][18]. - The psychological aspect of range anxiety is significant, leading manufacturers to prioritize the development of hybrid vehicles with larger fuel tanks to address consumer needs [18][42]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - The battery technology has matured, allowing plug-in hybrid vehicles to achieve electric ranges exceeding 300 kilometers, significantly improving their market positioning [4]. - The cost of battery materials, particularly lithium, has decreased, providing manufacturers with the opportunity to install larger batteries and fuel tanks in their vehicles [24][26]. Group 5: Policy Impact - The discontinuation of national subsidies for new energy vehicles has leveled the playing field between plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles, encouraging the growth of plug-in hybrids [39]. - The extension of tax exemptions for new energy vehicles until the end of 2027 further supports the market for plug-in hybrids, as they now enjoy similar benefits as pure electric vehicles [39].