China Demands More From Automakers Who Want NEV Incentives - CleanTechnica

China is tightening the technical requirements for new energy vehicles (NEVs) to qualify for purchase tax incentives in 2026 and 2027, following a strategy similar to Norway’s phased approach to EV incentives. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Finance, and State Taxation Administration jointly issued new standards that raise the bar for NEV performance, particularly focusing on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). BEVs must now comply with the stricter national standard GB 36980.1-2025, which is about 11% more stringent than previous requirements, and heavier vehicles over 3,500 kilograms must meet the same energy consumption limits as lighter ones. PHEVs weighing less than 2,500 kilograms must achieve fuel economy at least 70% that of conventional gasoline cars, while heavier PHEVs must meet 75%. Additionally, PHEVs must have a minimum battery-only range of 100 kilometers, up from