China sees boom in electric motorhomes: demand grows 10 times faster than for petrol models

Anshun (Guizhou province) is seeing a rise in RV parking spots, attracting tourists from across China. From May to July 2023, one lot recorded over 100 vehicles, with some guests staying up to five months.

China's Ministry of Commerce and eight other agencies issued 17 measures to boost the automotive aftermarket. The policy aims to legalize vehicle modifications, develop motorhome camping, and build infrastructure for car tourism. China has 370 million vehicles, and the global aftermarket is valued at over $1 trillion.

A flash flood triggered by heavy rain struck a campsite in Gansu province, northwest China, on July 26, killing 10 people and injuring 23. Local authorities reported that tourists camping in the area were caught in the flood. Rescue teams have evacuated 174 people, and search operations are ongoing.

On July 26, CATL began the Western Sichuan leg of its 100,000 km national road test for the Xinlan chassis, sending a Welltufeng motorhome from Chengdu across the high-altitude plateau. The Xinlan chassis, developed by CATL subsidiary Times Xin'an, is a standardized platform for electric motorhomes, positioned as the 'Android system' for the industry. It features a 270 kW dual-motor all-wheel drive, range-extender hybrid, 68 kWh battery, and over 800 km range. Motorhomes based on the Xinlan chassis start at around 450,000 yuan.

A flash flood triggered by a short but intense rainstorm in the Shuangshimen scenic area of Gansu province, China, killed 10 people and injured 23 others on July 26. The downpour intensified around 2 p.m., accompanied by hail, causing a rapid rise in water levels in a steep mountain gorge. Although the hourly rainfall of 10.9 mm did not meet the threshold for a severe storm, the area's steep terrain and narrow riverbed led to a destructive flood. Rescue teams evacuated 247 people, deploying 305 firefighters and 68 vehicles.

China's Ministry of Commerce and nine other departments issued measures to boost auto aftermarket consumption, accelerating the integration of RV industry with cultural tourism. Jiangling Motorhome, based in Nanchang County, has been in RV conversion for 16 years and consistently ranks among the top three in national sales. The company develops models for family and business travel, leveraging Jiangling Group's chassis technology.