Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the severe consequences faced by car owners of bankrupt electric vehicle companies, particularly focusing on the collapse of Neta Auto and the resulting loss of warranty and maintenance services for over 400,000 car owners [3][4][5]. Group 1: Impact on Car Owners - Many Neta Auto owners are experiencing warranty failures, difficulty in obtaining parts, and even insurance rejections due to the company's operational struggles [4][5]. - The collapse of several new energy vehicle brands over the past decade has left numerous car owners without adequate after-sales support, leading to a significant number of unresolved issues [4][5]. - The termination of services, such as the promised free 5G connectivity, has further exacerbated the situation for car owners, who are now forced to pay out of pocket for services that were initially included in their purchase [7][8]. Group 2: Maintenance and Repair Challenges - After the bankruptcy of car manufacturers, authorized repair networks have closed, leaving car owners with no choice but to seek repairs at independent shops, often at their own expense [6][8]. - The cost of repairs has increased significantly due to the lack of available parts and the closure of authorized service centers, leading to a situation where car owners feel like "sheep to be slaughtered" [10][11]. - The repair industry for electric vehicles is facing challenges due to the high costs and risks associated with obtaining manufacturer authorization, which limits the number of repair shops willing to service these vehicles [9][12]. Group 3: Parts Availability and Repair Costs - The sources of parts for repairs have become limited, primarily relying on leftover inventory from parts manufacturers, dismantled vehicles, and unsold stock from closed dealerships [12][13]. - The absence of aftermarket parts for many electric vehicle models has resulted in higher repair costs, as car owners have little negotiating power and must pay inflated prices [9][13]. - The overall repair market for electric vehicles remains underdeveloped, with many independent shops lacking the necessary equipment and expertise to handle repairs effectively [14][15].

Core Insights - The collapse of several electric vehicle (EV) companies in China has left millions of car owners facing warranty issues and lack of after-sales service [1][2][3] - The warranty system has effectively disintegrated, with many car owners unable to access necessary repairs or parts, leading to significant financial burdens [2][4] - The competitive landscape for EVs has shifted dramatically, with many new brands failing and leaving behind unresolved after-sales responsibilities [1][5] Group 1: Warranty and After-Sales Service - The warranty promises made by companies like Neta Auto have become meaningless as the company enters bankruptcy, leaving car owners without support [1][2] - Many car owners are now forced to seek repairs at independent shops, often at their own expense, as authorized service centers close down [2][4] - The collapse of the warranty system has resulted in a lack of accountability, with car owners left to navigate repairs without manufacturer support [2][6] Group 2: Repair Costs and Challenges - Car owners report exorbitant repair costs, with some facing charges of up to 6,000 yuan for basic diagnostics and repairs [5][6] - The availability of parts has become a significant issue, with repair shops relying on leftover inventory from defunct companies or salvaged parts from scrapped vehicles [6][7] - The lack of authorized repair facilities has led to a situation where repair costs are high and transparency is low, leaving car owners with little negotiating power [4][6] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The EV repair market is still developing, with some platforms beginning to offer specialized services, but overall, the industry lacks robust regulatory support [8] - The competitive environment for EVs is expected to remain challenging, as many new entrants struggle to establish sustainable after-sales networks [1][8] - The absence of a comprehensive support system for EV owners post-purchase poses risks for future market growth and consumer confidence [7][8]

Core Insights - The high maintenance costs of electric vehicles (EVs) have led to widespread consumer complaints, with many perceiving that manufacturers are profiting from after-sales services due to expensive repairs [2][3][4] - The design of EVs, including modular and integrated components, contributes to higher repair costs, as certain parts can only be replaced rather than repaired [2][4] - As the number of EVs increases, failure to address maintenance challenges could undermine the cost advantages of owning an EV [2] Maintenance Cost Comparison - Maintenance costs for EVs are approximately 30% to 40% higher than for traditional fuel vehicles over their lifecycle, with EV maintenance costs estimated at around 42,000 to 43,000 yuan over five years compared to 30,000 yuan for fuel vehicles [4] - Specific repair costs for EVs can be exorbitant, such as over 6,000 yuan for a headlight assembly or 17,000 yuan for a front bumper [4][5] Consumer Experiences - Consumers report significant discrepancies in repair costs between authorized service centers and independent repair shops, with some opting for cheaper alternatives despite potential warranty issues [3][4] - The high cost of insurance for EVs, which can rise significantly after an accident, adds to the financial burden on owners [5][6] Challenges for Third-Party Repair Shops - Third-party repair shops face legal risks and technical barriers when attempting to service EVs, as many manufacturers restrict access to essential repair information and parts [7][8] - The lack of trained technicians and low availability of EV parts further complicates the ability of independent shops to compete in the EV maintenance market [8][10] Industry Development and Talent Shortage - The rapid growth of the EV market, with a 32.99% increase in ownership year-on-year, has not been matched by the development of a mature maintenance ecosystem [9][10] - There is a significant gap in training for technicians, with only 12% of automotive repair workers having received training in EV technology [10] Future Outlook - As more EVs exit manufacturer warranties, the demand for independent repair services is expected to grow, necessitating a more open and competitive repair market [11][12] - Collaboration between third-party repair platforms and manufacturers is seen as essential for improving service options and reducing costs for consumers [13][14]