China sets 2030 targets for smart, connected NEVs

China has unveiled a plan to further strengthen its advantages across the industrial chain of smart, connected new energy vehicles, with the country aiming to join the ranks of the world's leading automotive powers by 2030.

By then, new energy passenger vehicles are expected to account for 70 percent of new vehicle sales in their segment in the domestic market, while the share for commercial vehicles is targeted at 40 percent, according to the plan released by nine ministries on Friday.

The plan also calls for the large-scale application of vehicles equipped with automated driving functions, with highly automated driving expected to be available on highways, urban expressways and some urban roads.

China aims to make further progress in key automotive technologies by 2030.

The average fuel consumption of passenger vehicles is targeted at 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers, while the average electricity consumption of battery electric passenger vehicles is expected to fall to around 11.5 kilowatt-hours per 100 km.

The industry is also expected to become more digitalized and intelligent, with labor productivity targeted to rise 15 percent from 2025 levels.

The plan calls for the development of several vehicle manufacturers ranking among the world's top 10 by sales and auto parts suppliers entering the global top 100.

It also seeks to promote a new phase of internationalization for China's auto industry, with companies expected to strengthen their global operating capabilities and Chinese automotive brands to build stronger reputations overseas.

China's influence in the formulation of international automotive standards and regulations is also expected to increase.

The plan further emphasizes the industry's economic and environmental contributions.

The automotive sector is expected to reinforce its role as a pillar of the national economy, while achieving carbon peaking before 2030 and accelerating the green and low-carbon transformation of the automotive supply chain.

On autonomous driving, the plan sets an ambitious safety target, saying the safety performance of vehicles equipped with automated driving systems should be significantly better than that of human-driven vehicles.