Today in China, one in every 10 cars on the road is a new energy vehicle. Data shows that the country sustained its 11-year dominance in the global NEV market in 2025, manufacturing 16.63 million NEVs and sold 16.49 million units, representing year-on-year increases of 29% and 28.2%, respectively. 

NEVs have become a leading product in trade‑in programs for domestic consumers, and their production constitutes a vital pillar industry for the economy. The manufacturing and circulation of a single vehicle integrates the collaboration and operation of dozens of industries and tens of thousands of components. The new performance record of China's automotive industry reflects the strong resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy amid complex global changes. At the same time, NEV exports have become a shining nameplate for China on the global stage.

The Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, with its complete automotive supply chain and innovation ecosystem, has become the core engine for Anhui province's automotive industry innovation. Located in Phase III of Zhong'an Chuanggu Technology Park, the Anhui Future Intelligent Connected NEV Innovation Center serves as the operational entity of the Anhui Provincial Strategic Advisory Committee for New Energy Vehicle Industry Clusters, and it is driving industrial upgrading through key technology breakthroughs.

The center focuses on core areas such as AI‑integrated vehicle physical architecture, information frameworks, and data‑closed‑loop systems, dedicating efforts to original innovation, technology engineering, and industrial application. At its Smart Electromagnetic Power System Laboratory, the R&D team is developing intelligent chassis technologies for NEVs. Acting as a "central decision‑making brain" for the vehicle, these technologies enable integrated smart control during driving and inject core momentum into high‑quality industrial development.

The wielding assembly line of the CHANGAN Automobile the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

These facilities are part of 177 automotive enterprises and supporting firms gathered at the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. Companies such as Hefei Changan Automobile and Continental Tires have helped to form a powerful industrial cluster effect, gathering and building a complete industrial chain covering vehicle assembly, components, and aftermarket services. In 2025, the zone's automotive industry output reached 52.72 billion yuan ($7.58 billion), demonstrating resilience and competitiveness.

As a key component of the modern industrial system, the transformation toward electrification, intelligence, and connectivity in the NEV sector is deepening integration between the automotive industry and advanced manufacturing, green energy, artificial intelligence, and other fields. Leveraging its mature industrial ecosystem and strong scientific research capabilities, the zone has helped to pilot and scale up numerous innovations, providing solid support for the high‑quality development of China's automotive industry.