What is the main cost distribution of new energy vehicles?
3 Answers
The main cost distribution of new energy vehicles includes the motor, battery, electronic control, electric drive components, and others. Composition of new energy vehicles: Electric drive system: includes electronic controller, power converter, electric motor, mechanical transmission device, and wheels; Power system: includes power source, energy management system, and charger; Auxiliary system: auxiliary power source, power steering system, navigation system, air conditioner, lighting and defrosting devices, wipers, and radio. New energy vehicles refer to vehicles that use fuels other than gasoline and diesel as power sources. Introduction to new energy vehicles: New energy vehicles refer to vehicles that use unconventional vehicle fuels as power sources (or use conventional vehicle fuels with new on-board power devices), integrating advanced technologies in vehicle power control and drive, resulting in advanced technical principles and featuring new technologies and structures.
I found that the major cost of new energy vehicles actually lies in the battery, accounting for nearly half of the price, because those lithium-ion battery materials require large-scale production and processing, making the manufacturing costs extremely high. Then comes the electric motor and power control systems, such as inverters and controllers, which can account for about 15%-20%. These components need to precisely control current conversion efficiency. The body and chassis parts make up around 15%, somewhat similar to traditional vehicles. Software and electronic systems are becoming increasingly important, accounting for about 10%, especially for connected car and autonomous driving features, which are costly to develop. The remaining costs include R&D and manufacturing expenses, all of which add up to make the price of new vehicles higher. However, I believe that with technological advancements, such as the widespread adoption of solid-state batteries, battery costs are decreasing, and future vehicle prices may become more affordable. When chatting with friends about this, everyone often sighs that the high cost of batteries is a pain point, but the savings on charging can make up for it to some extent.
From a financial perspective, the cost distribution of new energy vehicles is quite transparent. The battery typically accounts for 40-50% of the total cost, which is the major expense and directly affects the final price. The powertrain, including the electric motor and conversion equipment, takes up about 15-20%. The body structure and chassis cost around 15%, where good design can lead to savings. Software and electronic control systems now exceed 10% due to the increasing integration of smart and AI features. R&D and factory manufacturing also represent a significant portion, explaining the high initial prices of new models. In practice, the cost per kilowatt-hour for batteries is rapidly decreasing, largely thanks to economies of scale, which benefits the return on investment. While the upfront cost may seem high to buyers, the long-term savings from charging and subsidies make it cost-effective. Policy incentives also help reduce the overall cost.
