The Dawn of the Electric Age: Insights from NIO’s Qin Lihong at the 2025 Chengdu Auto Show
At the 2025 Chengdu Auto Show, NIO’s co-founder and president, Qin Lihong, engaged in a pivotal discussion with the media regarding the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs). He expressed optimism about the current trajectory of pure electric vehicles, stating that these have surpassed previous limitations and now possess a significant competitive edge.
Breaking the Bottleneck
Lihong attributes this shift in perception to two main factors. Initially, during the early emergence of new energy vehicles, many potential users harbored doubts and concerns, particularly about range anxiety. However, as technological advancements have progressed, so has consumer experience with electric vehicles, leading to a turning point for pure electric models.
Historically, the limitations of pure electric technology, such as underdeveloped high-voltage platforms and insufficient battery swap stations, hindered widespread adoption. The benefits of electric vehicles were often overshadowed by range concerns, placing them at a disadvantage. However, this year marks a notable change, with worries about mileage diminishing swiftly.
Expansive Charging Infrastructure
China now boasts over 5 million public charging stations, a tenfold increase from just a few years ago. This expansion is complemented by ongoing efforts from various manufacturers to improve accessibility to charging and battery swap facilities. Lihong highlighted NIO’s ambitious goal to establish around 3,400 to 3,500 battery swap stations, underscoring the significant transformation this infrastructure represents. With 90% of users residing within 3 kilometers of at least one NIO battery swap station, concerns about range are plummeting.
Evidence of Growth in the Electric Vehicle Market
Citing recent data, Qin Lihong noted substantial growth in the pure electric vehicle market compared to previous years, while the extended-range segment saw only modest increases. Specifically, in July of this year, pure electric models continued to exhibit strong sales momentum, while extended-range vehicles faced a decline in growth relative to last year. This data signals a pivotal transition in the market, with indications that the golden age of pure electric vehicles is indeed on the horizon.
The Future of Electric Vehicles
As the electric vehicle industry evolves, the advancements in technology and infrastructure are driving a seismic shift in consumer attitudes. The decline in range anxiety, coupled with the expansion of charging and battery swap facilities, is fostering an environment conducive to the growth of pure electric vehicles. With industry leaders like NIO paving the way, the future looks bright for electric transportation.
Conclusion
The insights shared by Qin Lihong at the Chengdu Auto Show reflect a significant turning point in the electric vehicle landscape. As technological advancements continue to break down barriers and infrastructure evolves, the confidence in pure electric vehicles will likely grow, ushering in a new era of sustainable transportation. Whether you’re a long-time proponent of electric vehicles or new to the concept, this shift foretells exciting possibilities for the future of mobility.
