China Sets 2030 Targets for Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicles

On 11 September 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and eight other departments issued the Plan for the Development of the Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicle Industry during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The plan proposes that by 2030 China's advantages across the entire intelligent connected new energy vehicle industrial chain will be further consolidated and the country will join the ranks of the world's automotive powers. In the domestic market, new energy passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles are to account for 70% and 40% respectively of total new vehicle sales in their segments, and vehicles with autonomous driving functions are to achieve large-scale application.

The plan specifies that key technologies are to be effectively upgraded. Average fuel consumption of passenger vehicles is to reach 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres, and average electric energy consumption of battery electric passenger vehicles is to reach about 11.5 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres. Highly automated driving is to be achieved in scenarios including expressways, urban expressways and some urban roads. The industrial structure is to be continuously optimised, the industry's digital and intelligent development is to reach a relatively high level, and overall labour productivity is to rise by 15% compared with 2025. Several vehicle manufacturers are to be cultivated to enter the global top ten by sales, along with component suppliers in the global top 100.

The plan also proposes that a new phase of international development take initial shape, that enterprises' international operating capabilities continue to improve, that Chinese automotive brands enjoy a relatively high reputation, and that their voice in the formulation of international standards and regulations be further enhanced. Economic and social benefits are to be further strengthened, the automotive industry's role as a pillar of the national economy is to become more prominent, carbon peaking is to be achieved before 2030, and the supply chain is to be driven towards accelerated green and low-carbon transformation. The safety performance of vehicles equipped with autonomous driving systems is to be substantially improved and to substantially exceed that of human drivers.