As Anhui province claims the top national position in new energy vehicle (NEV) output, the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone has emerged as a major growth engine for high-quality regional industrial development thanks to comprehensive supply chain planning and innovation-driven strategies. From vehicle manufacturing and core component breakthroughs to the rise of local champions and the clustering of international brands, this innovation hub is steadily pushing "Hefei-made" NEV products into the global market.

As the end of year approaches, the zone's NEV sector is gaining fresh momentum. REHEO's R&D and manufacturing base, with a total investment of 1 billion yuan (US$142 million), commenced construction on Dec. 7. The facility will focus on the manufacturing of key components, with planned annual production capacities of 3 million display modules and 180 metric tons of silicone materials. At full capacity, it is expected to generate over 1.2 billion yuan in annual output, effectively filling a gap in high-end automotive electronics within the region.

Earlier in July, the first phase of Hoshikawa Technology's high-power battery project, involving 2 billion yuan in total investment, began operations. The facility has begun mass producing its independently developed 135C high-power lithium-ion batteries. Once fully operational, the project is projected to achieve 1.6 billion yuan in annual output, providing core power solutions for automakers worldwide. Together with REHEO's facility, these two projects further strengthen the industrial chain, from batteries and electronic components to complete vehicle integration, enhancing the synergistic effect of the NEV cluster.

Through years of cultivation efforts, the zone has attracted over 170 automotive-related enterprises, forming a complete parts supply system covering vehicle cabins, electronic controls, tires, and interiors. Germany's Continental Tire has invested more than 1 billion euros in its tire production base, serving local automakers such as BYD and Volkswagen. Edscha under the umbrella of Gestamp, the world's largest automotive door hinge system supplier, has established its Asia-Pacific core plant in the zone, providing components for renowned brands including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and NIO. Upon reaching full capacity, the new facility is expected to generate 1.96 billion yuan in annual output.

Leveraging research strengths from institutions such as the University of Science and Technology of China and the Hefei Institute of Technology Innovation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the zone continues to foster the integration of NEVs with artificial intelligence, big data, and related industries. Platforms such as the Anhui Future Intelligent Connected NEV Innovation Center and the Anhui Open Automotive Ecosystem Laboratory are accelerating the translation of innovation into industrial applications.

Currently, the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone is building an integrated NEV ecosystem that spans R&D, smart manufacturing, and application demonstration. With its openness to global collaboration and innovative solutions to industry challenges, Hefei is injecting sustained momentum into the global automotive industry's low-carbon transition.