Chinese EV manufacturers face bankruptcy crisis amid service gaps

A growing number of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, including WM Motor, Aiways, HiPhi, Ji Yue, and Neta, have faced bankruptcy, restructuring, or significant reductions in after-sales service operations. While many of these vehicles remain on the road, their manufacturers' exits have created critical gaps in spare parts supply, authorized repair services, connectivity, and warranty fulfillment.

As the first large waves of mass-delivered EVs approach their warranty expiration dates, the industry faces a growing crisis. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, modern EVs function as digital devices, creating a phenomenon known as ‘data hegemony.’ Repairs often require proprietary software, online authorization, and specialized diagnostic tools from the original manufacturer to clear error codes or integrate new components, making independent repairs difficult when the manufacturer is no longer operational.