China’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector is seeing incremental gains in owner satisfaction, according to the latest 2025 New Energy Vehicle Industry User Satisfaction Index (NEV-CACSI) released by the China Quality Association. The overall index rose to 80 out of 100, signaling steady improvements in perceived quality and value among drivers of both pure-electric and hybrid vehicles.
Key Findings from the 2025 NEV-CACSI Survey
The NEV-CACSI survey, which gathered feedback from 25,303 vehicle owners across 128 Chinese cities, evaluated vehicles based on five key dimensions: overall satisfaction, quality, reliability, performance, design, after-sales service, and sales service.
Domestic brands are closing the gap with joint-venture automakers, achieving comparable satisfaction scores. This is partly due to fewer reported faults in independent NEV models, especially in advanced cabin systems.
However, the industry still faces challenges. The number of reported faults per 100 vehicles increased to 109 in 2025, up from 91 the previous year. The most common issues center around intelligent cabins (31 faults), advanced driver-assistance systems (22 faults), and interior components (12 faults).
Despite these concerns, owner satisfaction with quality and reliability is increasing, reaching 80.8 points, while performance and design satisfaction hit 81.1 points. Drivers prioritize vehicle performance, reliability, and comfort over low maintenance costs or aesthetics.
Xiaomi SU7 Dominates Satisfaction Rankings
The Xiaomi SU7 has topped the pure-electric mid-to-large sedan category for the second consecutive year. Launched in March 2024, the SU7 is Xiaomi Auto’s first EV and is produced in Beijing. The vehicle is notable for its 800-volt “Modena” architecture, offering a range of battery and motor options.
The SU7 models include:
- Rear Drive Standard Long Range Edition: 73.6 kWh battery, 299 hp, 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, 700 km CLTC range.
- Rear Drive Ultra Long Range Pro Edition: 94.3 kWh battery, 295 hp, 830 km range.
- 4WD Ultra Long Range Max Edition: 101 kWh battery, 664 hp, 800 km range.
- SU7 Ultra (High Performance): 1,526 hp with three motors, 0–100 km/h in 2.1 seconds.
The SU7’s high ranking reflects strong owner satisfaction with its performance, reliability, and service.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
China’s NEV market is the world’s largest, and user satisfaction is a key driver of growth. These survey results suggest that while improvements are being made, manufacturers must still address persistent issues in intelligent systems and driver assistance features. The rising fault rate could hinder long-term adoption if not tackled effectively.
The success of the Xiaomi SU7 underscores the growing competitiveness of domestic EV brands, which are increasingly challenging established automakers. This trend is likely to accelerate as Chinese companies invest heavily in technology and expand their product offerings.
The NEV-CACSI results also highlight the evolving priorities of Chinese EV buyers. While features like cost savings are still relevant, performance, reliability, and overall quality are now more crucial factors influencing purchase decisions.
