December 10, 2025 – A recent survey by Bloomberg Intelligence reveals a growing preference among first – time car buyers in China for electric vehicles (EVs) over other powertrain options. The key factors driving this trend are affordability, a wide range of available models, and a significant improvement in charging convenience.
The survey, carried out in November 2024, interviewed 1,000 Chinese consumers who plan to buy a car within the next 12 months. It found that around 47% of potential first – time car buyers intend to purchase an EV, a substantial increase from 25% in the previous survey conducted in February of the previous year.
Although China is already the world’s largest EV market, consumers still have concerns. Issues such as range anxiety and the performance of batteries in cold weather remain on their minds. However, the survey highlights that smarter EV technologies, lower maintenance costs, and the widespread application of high – voltage platforms, which can significantly speed up charging, are continuously luring consumers towards EVs.
When considering existing car owners as well, 52% of the respondents said their next vehicle is likely to be a pure – electric model, up from 34% in the February survey.
In a report, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts including Joanna Chen stated, “China has surpassed Europe and the United States in the pure – electric vehicle sector, achieving price parity with gasoline – powered cars. Meanwhile, consumers’ strong interest in advanced technological features gives local new – energy vehicle companies, as well as tech giants like Huawei Technologies Co. and Xiaomi Corp., a greater edge in the fierce market competition.”
Industry data indicates that new – energy vehicles, including pure electric and plug – in hybrid models, are expected to account for more than half of China’s new car sales for the first time this year, with pure electric vehicles making up slightly more than a quarter.
Nevertheless, as the government gradually reduces consumer – oriented car purchase subsidies, concerns are rising about a slowdown in sales growth. This could also widen the gap in EV adoption between large first – tier cities and small – and medium – sized towns.
However, Bloomberg Intelligence believes that the phase – out of subsidies will free up more resources for charging infrastructure construction. The Chinese government plans to build a total of 28 million charging facilities by 2027, an increase of over 50% from the current level, to meet the growing charging demand.
Currently, major battery manufacturers are vigorously promoting ultra – fast charging technologies. BYD claims that its latest model can add about 400 kilometers of range with just a 5 – minute charge, while Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited’s upgraded “Shenxing” battery can provide 520 kilometers of range in the same charging time.
