How Many Years Until New Energy Vehicles Are Scrapped?

[MackenzieLynn]

China has not issued regulations on the scrapping period for new energy vehicles, only imposing requirements on the disposal of their batteries. As long as the vehicle can pass the annual inspection, there is no issue, and it can continue to be used. Otherwise, it needs to be scrapped. Non-commercial new energy vehicles: The state has currently abolished the scrapping period and mileage limits, although there is a guideline for scrapping after reaching 600,000 kilometers. If a vehicle is driven 20,000 kilometers annually, it would take at least 30 years to reach the guideline scrapping standard, so ordinary private car owners need not worry. Commercial new energy vehicles: For commercial new energy vehicles, the rules are the same as for commercial fuel vehicles, with distinctions based on vehicle type. For example, small and micro commercial vehicles have a scrapping period of 8 years, medium-sized commercial vehicles 10 years, large commercial vehicles 12 years, and rental passenger vehicles 15 years.

[CassidyLynn]

I've researched the policies on new energy vehicles, and there's actually no fixed retirement age. The government only recommends retirement for private cars after reaching 600,000 kilometers, but in reality, many people change their cars before hitting that mileage—it mainly depends on the vehicle's condition. The battery is the core of a new energy vehicle; after about 8 years, its capacity typically drops below 80%, leading to noticeable range reduction. If replacing the battery costs 70,000 to 80,000 yuan while the old car can only be sold for 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, many would opt to scrap it. Also, keep an eye on policy changes—currently, National III and IV vehicles already face driving restrictions, and there might be new regulations for older new energy models someday.

[CeciliaAnn]

Last time I dealt with a ride-hailing driver's inquiry, the scrapping requirements for new energy vehicles used for commercial operations are different! Ride-hailing vehicles must be forcibly scrapped after 8 years, no matter how good the condition is. Private cars are much more lenient, mainly depending on whether they can pass the annual inspection. The focus is on checking the battery pack—if the capacity degradation exceeds the standard, it won't pass. In actual use, signs like poor air conditioning cooling and significantly longer charging times are warning signals. It's recommended to have a battery health check around six years. If the repair cost exceeds half of the residual value, it's better to scrap it directly and replace it with a new car.

[LukeRose]

Remember that old electric car my neighbor had? It ran for a full decade before being scrapped. Not because it couldn't run, but because its range had dropped to just 40% of the original. Nowadays, official inspection stations have new standards - if battery capacity falls below 70%, it basically won't pass inspection. Plus, parts for older models are particularly hard to find - last time he waited two months for a controller component. I recommend testing battery internal resistance during every maintenance for EVs over six years old - if the voltage difference exceeds 50 millivolts, it's dangerous. When scrapping, remember to complete procedures at the DMV - power batteries must be handed over to designated recycling points, or you'll face fines for improper disposal.