Chinese authorities have summoned eight electric vehicle manufacturers following a surge in consumer complaints about over-the-air (OTA) updates that restrict battery performance. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration for Market Regulation imposed strict rules prohibiting silent OTA updates, battery locking, and feature downgrades.
- Consumer complaints on battery restrictions spiked over 270%
- Regulators ban silent OTA updates and battery locking
- Eight automakers summoned, investigations underway
What happened
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology alongside the State Administration for Market Regulation have taken regulatory action against eight electric vehicle manufacturers due to unauthorized modifications made via OTA updates. These updates remotely altered Battery Management System (BMS) parameters without consumer consent, effectively locking battery capacity and curbing performance.
Complaints filed on the national 12315 consumer platform soared to 12,000 cases, representing an increase of 273% compared to the previous year. Among the findings, regulators noted that some updates reduced driving range by over 30% and doubled charging time, shifting billions of yuan in warranty costs onto consumers.
Why it matters
The actions taken reflect growing consumer awareness and regulatory scrutiny of how EV manufacturers handle battery management, a critical factor in vehicle performance and customer satisfaction. Unauthorized battery restrictions undermine consumer trust and may violate rights related to transparency and fair product practices.
By enforcing bans on silent updates, battery locking, mandatory disclosure of core parameter changes, and prohibiting misleading advertising, Chinese authorities are aiming to protect consumers from covert degradation of vehicle capabilities and promote fair market standards in the rapidly expanding EV sector.
What to watch next
Authorities have formally investigated three of the involved companies, while two manufacturers have withdrawn their questionable OTA update packages and promised to restore vehicle functions. The outcomes of these investigations will likely set important precedents in how EV software updates are regulated moving forward.
Market participants and consumers should monitor further regulatory guidance and enforcement actions from Chinese agencies, as ongoing oversight could lead to stricter compliance requirements across the industry. This development also highlights the need for transparency and consumer control over vehicle software and battery management.