MIIT Summons 8 Automakers to Address OTA Battery Throttling

[Policy Regulation] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) summoned eight new energy vehicle manufacturers over irregularities related to OTA battery throttling, with three now under formal investigation.

Key Development: 12,000 Complaints Trigger Regulatory Action

In March 2026, the national 12315 consumer complaint platform received 12,000 complaints regarding OTA-induced battery throttling—a year-over-year surge of 273%. In response, MIIT summoned 8 automakers, of which 3 were placed under investigation for unilaterally restricting battery performance via OTA updates. Additionally, 2 companies voluntarily removed the controversial software update packages and pledged to restore original vehicle performance.

Strategic Motivation: Cost Shifting or Technical Self-Preservation?

"Battery throttling" uses OTA updates to cap maximum charging levels and limit depth of discharge, resulting in reduced driving range and slower acceleration. While automakers claim these measures enhance safety and slow battery degradation, in reality, such practices can save high-volume manufacturers—those selling over one million vehicles annually—tens of billions of yuan annually in warranty costs, effectively shifting operational risk onto vehicle owners.

Industry Impact: Software-Defined Downgrades Spark Trust Crisis

Third-party testing revealed that some models experienced up to a 20% reduction in usable battery capacity following OTA updates. Consumers unknowingly lost battery value equivalent to tens of thousands of yuan, placing the industry under dual pressure to ensure regulatory compliance and rebuild consumer trust.