China's Aging EV Battery Crisis Hits Home as Owners Face Declining Vehicle Health

Breaking News: China Confronts the Reality of Aging EV Batteries China's electric vehicle (EV) market has reached a critical juncture, with the country's early adopters beginning to dispose of their aging vehicles due to declining battery health. According to reports, Wang Lei, a 39-year-old resident of Beijing, recently sold his 2016 compact Chinese brand EV for 28,000 yuan, a significant amount considering the additional automobile scrappage subsidy offered by the Chinese government. Wang's decision to sell his EV is part of a larger trend, with thousands of Chinese citizens facing similar dilemmas. In August 2025, Wang's car's range had started to shrink, and he could no longer justify the cost of replacing the battery, which had expired from warranty. The local battery recyclers, who advertised on Douyin, offered a solution, and Wang received a payment of 8,000 yuan after selling his vehicle. The issue of aging EV batteries has been building for years, with China's EV market growing exponentially since 2015. The government's subsidies, which were initially designed to encourage domestic innovation, have now created a complex problem. As the number of retired EVs increases, China is facing a significant challenge in managing the disposal of these vehicles and their batteries. The immediate impact of this trend is being felt across the country, with local battery recyclers struggling to keep up with the demand for used EV batteries. The Chinese government has yet to respond with a comprehensive plan to address the issue, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the country's EV market. In the background, China's EV market has been driven by government subsidies, which have made EVs more affordable for consumers. However, this has also led to a culture of disposability, with many consumers viewing their EVs as short-term investments rather than long-term assets. As the country grapples with the consequences of this trend, it remains to be seen how China will address the issue of aging EV batteries and ensure a sustainable future for its EV market. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: China's EV market is at a crossroads, and the country's ability to manage the disposal of aging EV batteries will play a crucial role in determining its future success.