What The Heck Is Going On With OTA Cuts To EV Range In China?
cleantechnica.com May 22, 2026

What The Heck Is Going On With OTA Cuts To EV Range In China?

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Electric vehicle owners in China have reported a significant reduction in range after receiving over-the-air (OTA) software updates, with some claiming their vehicles' range decreased from 500 km to 300 km. The phenomenon, known as "battery locking," involves automakers modifying the battery management system without informing car owners, limiting charging limits and discharge power. Several automakers may be involved, but the exact companies and models affected are unclear. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers has denied rumors of investigations into "battery locking" issues.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The emergence of "battery locking" raises questions about the transparency and accountability of automakers in China, particularly in the context of new regulations prohibiting undisclosed software updates and forced silent updates.