The rapid spread of electric vehicles in China not only reduces harmful emissions but also creates new challenges for road infrastructure. As large and heavy models grow in popularity, the load on roads increases, while the traditional source of funding for their repair gradually decreases.
According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), in the first half of 2026, about 60% of new cars introduced to the Chinese market were over 5 meters long. For comparison, a year earlier, the share of compact models less than 4.5 meters long was 13%, and now it has decreased to 2%.
At the same time, the weight of cars is also increasing. Some modern electric crossovers and minivans weigh almost 3 tons, which significantly increases road surface wear.
An additional problem is created by the current road financing system. The main part of the funds for road maintenance in China comes from the automotive fuel tax. As the electric vehicle fleet grows, revenues from it decrease. According to Bloomberg, the annual deficit in funding for road construction and repair already reaches about 300 billion yuan (approximately 44 billion dollars).
A study by a division of the Chinese Ministry of Transport also showed that about 40% of local roads already included in repair plans cannot yet be restored due to a lack of budget funds.
The Chinese government is gradually reducing tax incentives for new energy vehicles. The purchase tax discount has already been reduced to 5%, and the maximum amount of the benefit is limited to 15,000 yuan. In addition, for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles with an extended range, the exemption from the annual vehicle tax is planned to be abolished.
Official Chinese state media have also called on automakers to abandon excessive increases in car sizes, noting that such models are less suitable for urban infrastructure and require more resources for operation.