The inaugural event for China's 2025 New Energy Vehicle (NEV) rural promotion campaign was held in Rugao City, east China's Jiangsu Province on Sunday.

The nationwide campaign is jointly organized by five government departments - the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and the National Energy Administration.

The first event featured various models tailored to rural road conditions, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles, from over 60 NEV brands, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands yuan. Additionally, more than 10 charging infrastructure companies showcased their products.

"New energy vehicles have experienced rapid development, particularly in lower-tier markets. The gradual expansion of the NEV rural promotion campaign will drive investment in, construction of, and operation of charging infrastructure in county-level regions, enhancing service capacity. This improvement will, in turn, further promote wider NEV adoption," said Tong Zongqi, deputy secretary-general of China Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Promotion Alliance.

According to the MIIT, the number of NEV models selected for the 2025 rural promotional campaigns has significantly increased compared with previous years, exceeding 100 for the first time and reaching 124. These models span from compact cars to luxury vehicles, catering to diverse consumer demands.

This year's campaign will focus on county-level cities with relatively low NEV adoption rates but high market potential. It aims to boost NEV adoption through special sales events, and have these cities extend their influence to surrounding towns.

An MIIT official noted that this year's campaign encourages participation from various stakeholders, including NEV manufacturers, dealers, financial service providers, charging and battery-swapping operators, and after-sales service providers. By integrating policies like the trade-in program, customized promotional packages will offer consumers comprehensive one-stop solutions.