Chinese Automakers Push Hybrid Vehicles, Japan's "Fortress" May Collapse
On June 7, the Yomiuri Shimbun published an article expressing concern over the future of Japanese automakers as Chinese automotive companies intensify their efforts in hybrid vehicle development.
The article states: Chinese automakers are focusing on developing hybrid vehicles (HV). At the same time, new models are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance fuel efficiency and driving performance.
Hybrid vehicles have long been Japan’s stronghold—originating with Toyota—but the current focus is on how much of Japan’s "territory" Chinese automakers might erode.
Chongqing Changan Automobile's hybrid sedan achieves a fuel efficiency of approximately 33.6 kilometers per liter under Chinese standards. The company claims it "slightly surpasses Toyota." Additionally, the vehicle features AI that records individual driving habits and adjusts settings to improve fuel efficiency.
The latest hybrid sedans are priced between 89,900 and 99,900 RMB (approximately 2,120,000 to 2,350,000 JPY). Changan’s new model leverages electric motor and battery technologies developed from electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs).
Since 2021, "new energy vehicles" such as electric cars and plug-in hybrids have rapidly emerged in China. Meanwhile, range-extended hybrid models have lagged behind in development.
According to statistics, by the end of 2025, China will have 43.97 million new energy vehicles, accounting for only 12% of total vehicle numbers. In rural areas where charging stations are scarce and temperatures can drop below -30°C, battery-powered electric vehicles are unpopular, leading many consumers to prefer engine-driven vehicles instead.
According to data from research firm Marklines, hybrid vehicle sales in China’s market are expected to reach 1.01 million units in 2025, with Japanese manufacturers capturing 81.5% of the market share. By vehicle type, Toyota and Honda occupy nine of the top ten spots, reinforcing their dominance among Japanese manufacturers. However, Chinese manufacturers leading the new energy vehicle sector are striving to break through this stronghold.
In April this year, major Chinese automaker Geely announced a new technology called “i-HEV.” With AI control, fuel efficiency has been improved to about 45 kilometers per liter. Geely repeatedly emphasized that this would “completely overturn traditional Japanese technology.”
One reason Chinese companies are focusing on hybrid vehicle development is their urgent need to expand overseas. Particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped, there is significant room for growth in range-extended hybrid vehicles.
A representative from a Japanese automaker expressed concern: “Chinese manufacturers are advancing at an extremely rapid pace. Their design philosophy, based on electric vehicle technology, differs significantly from Japan’s, forming unique characteristics distinctively Chinese.”
Japan’s traditional stronghold faces fierce competition from Chinese enterprises in global markets.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867318313175040/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.