China’s electric car industry has made enormous strides over the past decade, moving from imitation to innovation. But as its vehicles increasingly find their way to foreign roads, a new challenge has emerged – keeping customers happy after the sale. Now, the world’s biggest carmaker nation is preparing to enforce tougher export rules to ensure better quality and stronger after-sales support abroad.
The hidden flaw behind China’s EV success
Over the past decade, Chinese electric vehicles have gone from curiosity to serious competition. Brands like BYD, MG, and NIO have impressed drivers with sleek designs and advanced tech. Yet, owners abroad are discovering that buying the car is often easier than maintaining it.
Long waiting times for spare parts, limited repair networks and inconsistent after-sales support have become recurring complaints, particularly among MG owners in Europe. Some report waiting weeks – even months – for parts following minor accidents or mechanical faults.
It’s a frustrating experience for customers who expected the same reliability as Japanese or Korean brands. ‘You can’t just build great cars,’ said a London-based auto analyst. ‘You have to stand behind them once they hit the road.’
A new export licence for electric car makers
In response, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has announced a sweeping reform. From 1 January 2026, manufacturers will need a special export licence to sell electric vehicles outside the country.
Until now, only petrol and hybrid car exports required such approval. The new rule will limit electric car exports to authorised companies – effectively banning unlicensed dealers who ship vehicles overseas without proper after-sales arrangements.
According to policy experts, the move is designed to raise global standards for Chinese exports and ensure consumers receive official support, from guaranteed warranties to faster access to spare parts.
Improving service – and saving face
While the measure won’t solve every issue overnight, it’s a crucial step toward improving consistency across the sector. Licensed automakers will be required to maintain customer service operations for at least the standard two-year warranty period and ensure spare parts availability within a reasonable timeframe.
Industry analysts say the change could help restore trust among European and Asian buyers, many of whom have been hesitant to switch to Chinese EVs because of uncertain service support.
Interestingly, this problem isn’t unique to Chinese brands. Even established European automakers like Renault, Peugeot and Citroën have faced criticism for long repair times – proof that the challenge of maintaining EVs efficiently is now global.
Protecting China’s “national champions”
The new export controls are also a strategic move to stabilise China’s crowded car market. With hundreds of manufacturers competing for attention, a destructive price war has been brewing, threatening smaller firms and undermining profitability.
By filtering which companies can sell abroad, Beijing hopes to curb unfair competition and protect the country’s strongest players – especially BYD, currently the world’s top electric vehicle producer.
BYD has announced major investments in Hungary and Turkey, where it plans to open new factories to supply the European market. For such ventures to succeed, China must ensure that its automotive exports meet international expectations for reliability and customer care.
From quantity to quality
In essence, China’s message to its carmakers is clear: quality matters as much as volume. The country’s automotive rise has been spectacular, but maintaining that momentum will require more than innovation – it will demand accountability, transparency and a long-term commitment to customers.
If the reforms work, they could transform the image of Chinese vehicles from “cheap alternatives” to genuine contenders for global dominance. As one industry expert noted, ‘This isn’t just about cars – it’s about credibility. And for China, that’s now the most valuable export of all.’
