Tired of ads? Enjoy an ad-free experience by signing up.
👩‍🍳 How we use AI at Tech in Asia, thoughtfully and responsibly.
🧔‍♂️ A friendly human may check it before it goes live. More news here

China EV price war deepens as growth slows in early 2026

China’s EV makers have launched new discounts and financing deals in early 2026 as growth slows and competition intensifies.

BMW cut the price of its i7 M70L EV in China by 16% to under 1.6 million yuan (US$225,000), and reduced prices across other EV and petrol models by at least 10%.

Xiaomi, which entered the EV market in 2025, is offering a two-month promotion for its YU7 SUV with three years of zero-interest financing.

Zhang Yichao of AlixPartners said the price war may last one to two years as EV adoption slows, with carmakers relying on subsidized loans and low-priced models with advanced driver-assistance features.

CPCA data shows new energy vehicles accounted for 59.3% of passenger car sales in November 2025, but growth has eased.

Average EV selling prices fell 11.7% in the first 11 months of 2025, adding pressure on margins despite Beijing calling for restraint.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

Recent BYD developments

Stay ahead in Asia’s tech landscape

You've reached your 2 free content limit for the month. Sign up for free to read the full story.

🏄 For casual readers / 👶 Free

Basic

US$0

Free forever

Get instant access to this article and more every month

0 premium content

Unlimited news briefs

5

5 articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0 per day

⌛Sign up in 20s. No payment details needed.

📖 For learners / 👍 Starter

Lite

US$4.92/month

Billed annually at US$59/year

Get instant access to this article and more every month

4

4 premium content

Unlimited news briefs & articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0.17 per day

Cancel anytime

Our subscriber community includes professionals from these companies:

Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.

Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.