Chinese EV Makers Deny Battery Locking Allegations Amid Regulatory Speculation

Several Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have publicly denied allegations suggesting that regulators summoned them over controversial over-the-air battery locking practices. The issue gained momentum after a report from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV triggered widespread online speculation regarding software-based battery restrictions in electric vehicles. Companies including BYD, Xpeng, Tesla, and China-based automakers rejected the circulating claims and announced plans to take legal action against those responsible for spreading misinformation.

The controversy emerged after CCTV reported on April 17 that Chinese authorities were examining alleged “battery locking” practices within the new energy vehicle industry. According to the report, eight automakers were reportedly summoned as part of a regulatory review involving software updates that could potentially reduce battery performance without obtaining clear customer approval. The report initially received limited attention before being widely circulated again through additional media coverage and social media discussions.

Following the renewed attention, several AI-generated lists began circulating online, claiming that manufacturers such as BYD, Xpeng, Tesla, and GAC Aion had been investigated or formally summoned by authorities. The rapid spread of these posts intensified public concern regarding software-driven battery management practices and regulatory oversight within the Chinese EV market.

BYD issued an official statement strongly denying the allegations, stating that the circulating information was entirely false and that the company had not received any regulatory summons notice. The automaker further confirmed that it had initiated legal proceedings against individuals and entities involved in fabricating and distributing the claims online.

Nio also responded through a statement published on its mobile application, dismissing reports linking the company to the alleged investigation. Similar responses were issued by Xpeng, Zeekr, and GAC Aion, all of which criticized the use of AI-generated misinformation by certain social media accounts. The companies stated that the rumors had significantly harmed their brand reputation and confirmed that evidence preservation and legal tracing efforts had already begun.

Companies Responding to Battery Locking Allegations

Local media outlet Yicai later reported that Nio, Li Auto, Tesla, Aito, BYD, and Xpeng had all explicitly denied being part of the alleged investigation when approached for clarification. Despite the repeated denials, Chinese regulators have not yet publicly identified the companies involved in the original CCTV report, leaving uncertainty regarding which automakers may have faced scrutiny.

The term “battery locking” generally refers to situations where automakers allegedly use software updates to secretly limit a vehicle battery’s maximum charging capacity or peak power output. Critics argue that such practices can negatively impact vehicle range, charging speed, and overall driving performance if implemented without transparent communication or customer consent.

The CCTV report referenced a specific case involving the owner of a pure electric sedan valued at approximately 200,000 yuan ($29,410). According to the report, the owner experienced a substantial decline in driving range and slower charging performance following a software update. The case reportedly contributed to increased regulatory attention on OTA update practices across the EV sector.

Authorities in China subsequently launched a joint regulatory effort targeting the issue. CCTV stated that eight new energy vehicle manufacturers were summoned, with three companies reportedly placed under formal investigation for severe violations. Additionally, two manufacturers were said to have urgently withdrawn the disputed software updates and committed to restoring original vehicle performance levels.

Although the report intensified discussions around software transparency and consumer rights in the EV sector, regulators have not officially disclosed the identities of the companies involved. The absence of a confirmed list has fueled speculation online, prompting automakers to aggressively counter misinformation and protect their corporate reputations amid growing public scrutiny surrounding OTA software controls in electric vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is battery locking in electric vehicles?
Battery locking refers to the practice where automakers allegedly use software updates to limit battery charging capacity or reduce power output without clearly informing vehicle owners. The issue has gained attention because it can negatively affect driving range, charging performance, and overall vehicle usability. Concerns around transparency and consumer rights have increased as modern EVs rely heavily on software-controlled systems for battery management and performance optimization.

Which companies denied the battery locking allegations?
Several Chinese EV manufacturers publicly denied the allegations linked to the reported investigation. Companies including BYD, Nio, Xpeng, Tesla, GAC Aion, Li Auto, and Aito rejected claims suggesting they had been summoned by regulators. Many of these automakers also criticized the spread of AI-generated misinformation on social media and confirmed they are pursuing legal action against accounts responsible for circulating false information.

Why did the controversy gain widespread attention?
The issue gained significant attention after Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that regulators were investigating battery locking practices involving multiple automakers. Although the report initially attracted limited discussion, it later spread widely through media coverage and social media posts. AI-generated lists naming major EV companies further amplified speculation, leading manufacturers to issue official denials and legal warnings against misinformation campaigns online.