As 2025 wraps up, China's electric vehicle market—now the world's largest and most competitive—saw explosive growth from key players. Chery Group shattered records with 2.806 million total vehicles sold (up 7.8% YoY) and 903,847 NEVs (up 54.9%), while IM Motors hit a record 81,017 units with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 for four straight months. Aion's i60 debuted with 10,804 sales in its first full month, the only 100,000-yuan dual-power SUV to break 10,000. These feats, amid over 130 new launches and fierce price wars, underscore resilience, tech innovation, and export prowess heading into 2026.
Aion i60: Instant Hit in the Affordable SUV Segment
Aion's i60 emerged as the breakout star for family buyers, especially with Chinese New Year travel looming. Launched in December 2025, it sold 10,804 units—2,642 extended-range (EREV) models—proving real-world appeal over marketing hype.
Key strengths resolving holiday travel pain points:
- Mileage Anxiety Solved: EREV version offers 1,240 km total range (210 km pure EV); pure EV hits 650 km with 3C fast charging.
- Family Comfort: Over 3m interior length, max rear space, ventilated/heated/massaging front seats, 137° rear recline, and premium five-link suspension.
- Safety in Extremes: GAC StarSource EREV system maintains 5.5L/100km fuel use when depleted; Battery 2.0 with zero fires in 500 billion km; high-strength body and largest side airbags.
- Smart Driving Relief: GSD system covers highways and 300+ parking scenarios, including valet parking.
Priced at 100,000-150,000 yuan with 'EREV same price' strategy, it qualifies for tax exemptions and up to 21,200 yuan trade-in subsidies, plus 'burn one, compensate three' warranties.
IM Motors' 2025 Triumph: Tech-Led Growth in a Red Sea Market
IM Motors, backed by SAIC, bucked the 'red sea' trend of 130+ new models and price wars, delivering 81,017 sales—its best year yet. From September, it notched four straight 10,000+ months, turned profitable in December, and launched global exports.
Powered by 'long-termism' in core tech:
| Model | Price Segment | Key Tech/Features | Sales Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS6 | 200,000 yuan | 66kWh 'Star' EREV (450km pure EV, 1,500km total, 2.07L/100km), 800V charging, Lingxi chassis 2.0 | Family SUV with 50% ex-ICE buyer appeal |
| LS9 | 300,000 yuan | Lingxi chassis 3.0 (4.95m turning radius), laser radar, 4D massage seats | 'Best-driving' flagship six-seater |
The 'Star' super-EREV redefines hybrids: full EV experience even below 16% battery, attracting northern users (30% share) and BBA owners. Exports hit 16 markets across five continents in its debut year.
Chery Group's Record-Breaking Year: Export and NEV Leader
Chery dominated with 2.806 million total sales (263万 for Chery brand, up 8%), but NEVs stole the show at 903,847 units (+54.9%). Exports soared: 1.344 million units (+17.4%), December alone at 144,430 (+46.8%), claiming China's single-month, annual, and cumulative export records.
Breakthroughs across board:
- Quality Crown: Sole domestic 'five-crown king' in J.D. Power IQS, SSI, CSI, APEAL, VDS; 60 models with global five-star safety.
- Brand Surge: Jetour (622k), Chery (1.7M), iCAR (97k), Exeed (120k), Jaecoo.
- Hybrid Push: 'Oil-electric synergy' with 90% new models NEV, like风云 A9L and iCAR V23.
Chery eyes 10-20% above-industry growth in 2026, targeting global high-tech status.
Why This Matters: Global Implications for the EV Market
These 2025 results signal China's EV maturity amid rationalization. Aion and IM Motors prove EREV tech (long range, low cost) bridges ICE-to-EV transitions, capturing 50%+ former fuel users. Chery's export dominance (585k cumulative) challenges Tesla and legacy brands in Europe/Asia, with quality accolades boosting 'Made in China' trust.
In a market shifting to hybrids and exports, they highlight trends: big-battery EREVs for range anxiety, digital chassis for premium feel, and policy perks like trade-ins fueling domestic demand.
2026 Outlook: Acceleration Ahead
Expect intensified competition, but leaders like these thrive. IM plans LS8 and L3 autonomy; Chery expands NEV matrix; Aion leverages subsidies for i60 momentum. With global EV adoption rising, Chinese brands' tech edge positions them to capture 20%+ more international share, redefining affordable, long-range mobility.
Sources: D1EV (Jan 2026 reports on Aion, IM Motors, Chery).
