In recent years, the automotive industry has been undergoing a profound transformation. From the rapid rise of new energy vehicles to the continuous advancement of intelligent driving technology, the global automotive market is moving towards a more environmentally friendly, efficient and intelligent direction. In 2024, which trends will dominate the automotive industry? How should consumers choose? This article will conduct an in-depth analysis from the aspects of new energy, intelligence, and market competition.
New energy vehicles are accelerating across the board, and fuel vehicles are gradually giving way
1. Pure electric vehicles (EV) become mainstream
As governments around the world gradually tighten restrictions on carbon emissions, global automakers are accelerating their transition to electrification. Pure electric models of brands such as Tesla, BYD, Weilai, and Xiaopeng continue to launch new products, with a range of more than 600 kilometers and faster charging speeds.
In addition, policy support from various countries has also driven the growth of the new energy vehicle market. For example:
- China continues to provide subsidies for the purchase of new energy vehicles and accelerates the construction of charging piles.
- Europe plans to completely ban the sale of fuel vehicles in 2035 to accelerate the popularization of electric vehicles.
- The United States passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to provide tax incentives for domestically produced electric vehicles.
Against this backdrop, pure electric vehicle sales in 2024 are expected to hit a new high.
2. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are still competitive in the market
Although the market share of pure electric vehicles continues to rise, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are still favored by some consumers, especially in areas where charging infrastructure is not yet complete. For example, Ideal Auto's extended-range electric vehicles have performed strongly in the Chinese market, providing long battery life and reducing mileage anxiety.
Intelligent technology promotes the upgrade of driving experience
1. Popularization of L2+ level assisted driving
Intelligent driving technology is developing rapidly, and more and more new cars have been equipped with L2+ level driving assistance systems, including:
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC): Automatically adjust the speed according to the speed of the vehicle in front to relieve fatigue from long-distance driving.
- Lane keeping (LKA): Keep the vehicle in the center of the lane on the highway to improve driving stability.
- Automatic parking (APA): Helps drivers complete parking operations in a small space.
At present, Tesla's FSD (full autonomous driving), Huawei's ADS 2.0, Xiaopeng's XNGP and other systems have achieved high-level autonomous driving functions in some cities, and are expected to be further promoted in the future.
2. Upgrade of in-vehicle intelligent system, software-defined car
The car is no longer just a means of transportation, but an intelligent mobile terminal. In 2024, mainstream car companies have launched more advanced car systems, such as:
- Xiaopeng XOS, Ideal L series NOA (navigation assisted driving), to achieve more accurate intelligent navigation.
- Tesla FSD Beta continues to iterate and gradually move towards a higher level of autonomous driving.
- Huawei Hongmeng Cockpit and Weilai NIO OS provide a smoother interactive experience, making the car system closer and closer to the experience of using smartphones.
In the future, "software-defined cars" will become a trend, and car companies will continuously optimize vehicle functions through OTA (remote upgrades) to make cars smarter and smarter.
Market competition intensifies, price war intensifies
1. Price war continues, new energy vehicles are more affordable
Starting from 2023, the price war in the new energy vehicle market has intensified. Tesla has cut prices many times, and brands such as BYD, Weilai, and Xiaopeng have followed suit, allowing consumers to buy high-performance electric vehicles at a lower price.
In 2024, as more new models are launched, the price war is expected to continue. Especially in the market below 150,000 yuan, the competition for models such as BYD Qin PLUS EV, Wuling Bingo, and Xiaopeng P5 is particularly fierce.
2. High-end market competition escalates
In addition to price wars, competition in the luxury electric vehicle market is also intensifying. Electric vehicles from traditional luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW i7, and Audi Q8 e-tron are competing fiercely with new forces such as Tesla Model S, Weilai ET9, and Zhiji L7. When choosing high-end electric vehicles, consumers should not only consider the brand, but also pay attention to the intelligent experience, endurance, and charging efficiency.
How do consumers choose the car that suits them?
Faced with the rapidly changing automobile market, consumers should consider the following points when buying a car:
1.Purpose requirements
- Urban commuting: Pure electric vehicles (EV) are a good choice, low cost and zero emission.
- Long-distance travel: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) or extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) are more suitable, taking into account both endurance and convenience.
2.Budget range
- 100,000-200,000 yuan: You can choose economical new energy vehicles from brands such as BYD, Wuling, and Xiaopeng.
- 200,000-400,000 yuan: You can consider high-end smart electric vehicles such as Tesla Model 3, Xiaopeng P7, and Weilai ES6.
- More than 400,000 yuan: You can choose luxury electric vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW iX, and Weilai ET9.
3.Charging conditions
- The charging pile can be installed at home: Pure electric vehicles are the best choice, convenient charging and low cost.
- No stable charging conditions: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) or extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) are more suitable.
4.Intelligent demand
- If you have high requirements for intelligent driving and car-machine systems, you can choose brands such as Tesla, Xiaopeng, and Huawei.
- If you pay more attention to traditional luxury, new energy products from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are also good choices.
Conclusion
In 2025, the automotive industry is ushering in a dual transformation of new energy and intelligence. The popularity of new energy vehicles is accelerating, intelligent driving technology is becoming more mature, and market competition is becoming more fierce. For consumers, choosing a car model that suits their needs is more important than blindly pursuing new technologies. In the future, with the advancement of battery technology, the improvement of charging networks, and the upgrade of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be just a means of travel, but a more intelligent, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobile space.
What do you think of the automotive market in 2025? Welcome to discuss.