China Association of Automobile Dealers: New Design and Testing Guidelines Will Help Bring Some EV 'Show-off' Features Back to Their Safety Essentials

Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other departments jointly issued a notice (for public comment) on further strengthening management of automotive product innovative design and R&D testing verification. Zhang Hong, an expert committee member of the China Association of Automobile Dealers, pointed out that after the new regulations are implemented, they will help bring some EV 'show-off' features back to their safety essentials. Many consumers originally rejected electrification and intelligence not for these technologies themselves, but because perceived 'tech flair' sacrificed operational efficiency. With physical buttons returning, the learning curve during test drives will decrease, and sales explanations will be shortened. However, while this addresses some genuine concerns, factors such as range, charging infrastructure, price, after-sales service, and overall reliability still determine purchase conversion. Consumers have shifted from pursuing screen-based 'tech flair' to prioritizing safety, reliability, and ease of use.