China expands rural EV campaign; Nio, Tesla, BYD, Xpeng, and Li Auto models now included to boost regional new energy vehicle adoption.
China Expands Rural EV Campaign With Nio and Tesla Models
Electric Vehicle Makers Tapped for 2025 Rural Adoption Push
Broader Lineups Signal China’s Strategy to Electrify the Countryside
China has taken a significant step to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) use in its countryside, with a newly expanded list of eligible EV models under its 2025 rural promotion initiative. For the first time, notable international and domestic carmakers, including Nio, Tesla, and Li Auto, are part of this growing effort aimed at broadening clean energy transportation in less urbanized regions.
The latest announcement—issued jointly by five key government agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology—reveals that 124 EV models have been selected for the campaign. This reflects a notable increase from 99 models featured in the 2024 rollout, highlighting the government’s enhanced push to popularize new energy vehicles (NEVs) across underserved rural markets.
The initiative not only aims to promote NEV ownership outside major cities but also encourages automakers to expand their offerings, enhance after-sales services, and deliver better value to consumers in these areas.
First-Time Inclusion for Tesla and Nio Models
Among the vehicles added to the updated list are four mainline Nio models—the ES6 SUV, EC6 coupe SUV, ET5 sedan, and ET5T touring version. This is a notable development as it marks Nio's debut in the rural promotion program since its inception in 2020. Additionally, Nio’s sub-brand Onvo sees its newly launched L60 SUV make the cut. The L60, introduced in September 2024, represents a more affordable offering within Nio’s portfolio.
Tesla, the American EV giant, has also made its first appearance in the campaign with two of its most popular models: the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, both produced domestically at the company's Shanghai facility. Tesla’s participation suggests broader market confidence in the company’s ability to meet China's rural market needs.
Other Brands Gain Ground With Budget-Friendly Options
Also gaining traction is Li Auto, whose Li L6—the brand’s most affordable SUV—earns a spot on the list, signaling its effort to reach a broader demographic. For Xpeng Motors, the inclusion of four models—the Mona M03, P7+, G6, and G9—demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to rural market expansion. Xpeng first entered the program in 2023 and has steadily grown its presence since.
BYD, already a dominant player in the Chinese EV sector, continues its strong showing. This year, 11 of its models are featured in the campaign—more than any other manufacturer. BYD’s extensive range of competitively priced vehicles has helped it maintain a lead in capturing rural demand. In the previous year, BYD had 17 of the 99 approved models, underlining its consistent market advantage.
Strategic Shifts and Cost-Efficient Engineering
In a related development, Nio recently revised its production strategies for four of its featured models. According to local media, the adjustments are expected to minimize manufacturing waste and reduce excess material usage, signaling a push toward more efficient, cost-conscious production methods—crucial for success in price-sensitive rural markets.
A Broader Vision for Rural Electrification
This 2025 campaign serves as a vital part of China’s broader strategy to decarbonize transportation, bridge the urban-rural technology gap, and increase NEV market penetration nationwide. By spotlighting models from a wider range of manufacturers, the government intends to create a more competitive and dynamic marketplace.
For automakers, inclusion in the rural promotion list not only enhances brand visibility but also opens access to a fast-growing customer segment often overlooked in earlier electrification efforts.
As the program continues to expand, China is setting a precedent for how developing regions might approach the rural deployment of clean energy vehicles—not just as a climate necessity, but also as a means to foster economic mobility and infrastructure growth across less-developed areas.
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