China’s electric vehicles have a weight problem—and it is literally not fitting into parking spaces anymore.
The Weight Problem
The average passenger car in China weighed 1,704 kg in 2024—roughly a third more than in 2012. Many modern SUVs and MPVs now approach or exceed 2 meters in width, squeezing into parking spaces designed a decade ago for smaller vehicles. One car measured by CCTV was nearly 2.3 meters wide. The current standard parking space is 2.4 meters. That leaves just 10 cm of clearance—barely enough to open a door.
Blame the Batteries
The weight issue starts with the battery. Some manufacturers market vehicles with ranges up to 1,000 km on a single charge, which can require battery packs weighing as much as 800 kg. Heavy batteries are not unique to China, but the scale of the problem is, given that the country produces more EVs than any other nation.
Feature Bloat Adds Weight
Design bloat is another factor. China’s crowded EV market has pushed manufacturers to differentiate by turning vehicles into mobile living spaces. Some models let users work, watch videos, drink coffee, and rest inside. A few even come with in-car bathrooms. Every feature adds weight.
Beijing Steps In
Beijing enforced the world’s first major EV energy consumption standard on January 1. The government wants its electric vehicles to go on a diet. Expect upcoming models to prioritize efficiency and lighter construction over extreme range and gimmicky features.
