How to address the hidden risks behind old new energy vehicles privately modified for extended range, and owners risking payment? | News Two-Point Theory

Two Points on News: Xu Yeqing

The power batteries of new energy vehicles are accelerating into the “aging” era.

Recently, the Daily Economic News has paid attention to the issue of old new energy vehicles being privately modified to extend range. Faced with the problem of reduced range, many car owners choose to privately install power batteries or range extenders to “self-rescue,” giving rise to a gray industry.

Private modifications to extend range pose many hidden dangers. Because they are illegal operations, most of these modifications are done by “small workshops,” with issues such as substandard technology, poor craftsmanship, and unregulated testing, greatly increasing the risks of short circuits, overheating and spontaneous combustion, and electrical control failures. It is easy to imagine that these privately modified vehicles are like invisible bombs, weaving through traffic.

As the saying goes, where there is demand, there is a market. In reality, many car owners, especially those who rely on vehicles for their livelihood, choose private modifications because the batteries in operational vehicles degrade faster, and private modifications are more “cost-effective” than replacing batteries.

So why don’t automakers offer corresponding battery swapping or range extender services? According to reports, adding batteries or range extenders to old models is difficult to meet current safety and environmental standards. The compliance costs are high, and the related procedures are complex, so authorities naturally hesitate. As a result, official channels are lacking, and private modifications take advantage of the gap.

Even more concerning is that “small workshops” not only perform modifications but may also be involved in illegal recycling. Power batteries contain heavy metals and chemicals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Improper disposal can lead to resource waste, safety accidents, and environmental pollution. Currently, China’s new energy vehicle ownership has exceeded 43 million, and addressing the “aging” of power batteries must be prioritized.

Relevant authorities have noticed these hidden dangers, and policies have already tilted in this direction. There are existing “old-for-new” policies to offset replacement costs. Starting tomorrow (April 1), the “Interim Measures for the Recycling and Comprehensive Utilization of Waste Power Batteries from New Energy Vehicles” will officially come into effect, regulating the recycling and reuse of waste power batteries from new energy vehicles.

After the policy is introduced, will there still be people risking illegal modifications or recycling? Will enforcement include strengthened inspections and combined measures to both crack down on violations and facilitate compliance? In the face of market demand, can related companies proactively shoulder responsibilities and help “old vehicle owners” solve issues with their aging cars?

Only by safeguarding safety, improving service systems, and strengthening policy implementation can we ensure that car owners drive with peace of mind and feel secure when replacing batteries, thus promoting the healthy development of the new energy industry.

【Unauthorized reproduction strictly prohibited! Contact number: 028-86968276】