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China EV Makers Reject Viral 'Lock-Battery' Lists as Auto Group Calls Them False

The pushback highlights how AI-generated rumors distort a real enforcement drive.

Overview

  • Major automakers, which issued statements Saturday, denied they were on any regulator talk or probe lists and said they had begun legal steps against rumor spreaders.
  • The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said the circulating claims had no official source and did not match the facts.
  • Regulators have not named any companies, though media reported MIIT and SAMR held talks with 8 firms, opened investigations into 3, and saw 2 withdraw disputed updates.
  • 'Lock-battery' refers to changing battery software without consent to cap charge limits or power, and March 2026 complaints on the 12315 platform topped about 12,000, up 273% year over year.
  • CAAM urged carmakers to be open about battery software changes and to resolve complaints through clear service channels to protect drivers’ rights.