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China summons eight EV makers over OTA battery locking practices
China's Ministry of Industry summoned eight EV manufacturers over complaints concerning unauthorized OTA updates that restricted battery performance, leading to a 273% increase in consumer complaints. The authorities issued bans on silent updates and battery locking practices, with some companies already taking action to revert changes after investigations.
Key points
- Consumer complaints on the 12315 platform surged to 12,000 cases, a 273% increase year-on-year.
- The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration for Market Regulation implemented bans on silent OTA updates, battery locking, and misleading advertising.
- Automakers were found to adjust BMS parameters via OTA, limiting vehicle charging and discharging, reducing driving range by over 30%, and doubling charge times.
- The eight summoned manufacturers face scrutiny, with three investigations initiated and two firms agreeing to restore vehicle performance after withdrawing the disputed updates.
Why it matters
- The incident highlights the growing regulatory scrutiny of OTA practices in the EV industry, reflecting a broader trend towards consumer protection rights.
- This situation is comparable to historical data privacy concerns in tech industries, where unauthorized changes or data handling led to regulatory action.
- As of 2025, OTA updates are a critical area of focus with trends indicating increasing regulation globally concerning digital consumer rights and product safety.
China's decisive action against improper OTA practices in the EV sector signals a strengthening regulatory environment aimed at defending consumer rights and ensuring fair business practices in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.