On October 24, the “China Heart” selection celebrated its 20th anniversary. Hosted by the Automotive and Sports Magazine, the event launched the 2025 Annual Top Ten New Energy Vehicle Power Systems real vehicle testing at the Jia Lian Automotive Testing Ground in Gaoyou, Jiangsu. This industry event, known as the “barometer of China’s automotive power technology,” gathered 15 shortlisted power systems. It reflected on two decades of transformation in China’s automotive power, moving from following to leading. The event showcased the industry’s shift from price competition to technological competition.
In 2025, “Chinese Heart” will celebrate its 20th anniversary. This year, the selected products showcase the technological breakthroughs we have long desired in the industry. Yang Jianjun, the editor-in-chief of Automotive and Sports Magazine, stated at the launch ceremony, “We have shifted from focusing on power reliability to embracing high-voltage platforms and efficient range extension technologies. ‘Chinese Heart’ has witnessed the transformation of Chinese brands from competing on price to competing on technology.”
In this test, the BYD Tang L EV attracted industry attention with its world-first super kilovolt architecture, fast-charging battery, megawatt fast-charging system, and the first mass-produced 30,000 rpm motor. This marks the beginning of a new round of technology competition. The technology data from this year’s shortlist shows that domestic brands apply new technologies more aggressively, while foreign brands remain conservative. This reflects the confidence built over 20 years of development in China. Yin Chengliang, chair of the “Chinese Heart” evaluation committee and vice dean of the Automotive Engineering Research Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, noted that over the past 20 years, Chinese auto companies have forged a successful path in new energy. They now show strong competitive advantages in technological advancement, cost control, and supply chains. The range-extended technology field also shines. The new generation of the Seres SET330D super range-extending system upgrades four key areas: quietness, energy efficiency, intelligent control, and lightweight integration. It achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 44.8%, a 90% reduction in noise perception frequency, and an oil-electric conversion rate of 3.65 kWh/L. The system equips the WM M7, which experts unanimously recognize for its handling and comfort in real driving. SAIC General Buick’s “True Dragon” range-extending system focuses on balancing motor speed and efficiency. Chinese engineers independently developed its electronic architecture and electric drive system, reflecting independent thinking about the Chinese market’s needs. Zhang Tong, secretary-general of the Advanced Drive Systems Branch of the China Society of Automotive Engineers and chief technical expert at Wuxi Mingheng Hybrid Technology Co., interpreted this shift in product development philosophy from technology-driven to market-driven.
The new car makers “Wei Xiaoli” have made the shortlist for the first time. They stand out in the 20th “China Heart” testing. Each company has developed its own electric drive solutions. NIO focuses on energy management systems for long-range scenarios. Ideal enhances power tuning for family users. Xpeng optimizes electric drive response speed with smart algorithms. All three companies have strengthened their independent development capabilities in core technologies. This “self-controlled” development path receives praise. Cao Junzi, director of the Electric Motor Institute at Beijing Jiaotong University, and Wang Lifang, director of the Automotive Energy Systems and Control Technology Research Department at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, agree on this assessment.
The one-and-a-half-day test covered multiple dimensions, including power, acceleration, handling, and comfort. Zhou Rong, deputy director of the Electric Vehicle Charging and Swapping Systems Committee of the China Electrotechnical Society, emphasized the significant progress in NVH tuning for range-extended vehicles. He noted, “Noise control when the engine engages has reached new heights. This shows a qualitative leap compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles from 20 years ago. The technological advancement is visible.” He also reminded, “Chassis control and vehicle matching still have room for improvement. We need to narrow the gap between technological advancement and user demands.” As one of the top three global automotive power evaluations, alongside the “Ward’s 10 Best,” the “China Heart” selection has spent 20 years witnessing the technological evolution of over 50 companies and more than 200 power systems. It has tracked the journey from early breakthroughs in domestic fuel power to independent innovations in new energy power, and now to globally leading technology output. “China Heart” remains a record keeper and promoter of Chinese automotive power technology. Companies generally view this selection as not just a competitive stage for industry power but also a core platform for technical exchange and collaboration. During the test, a three-hour technical briefing became the core platform for industry exchange. Experts from automotive companies and research institutions engaged in in-depth discussions about technical details. Senior automotive journalist Lan He remarked, “Power should not be the only evaluation standard. ‘China Heart’ aims to select the ‘five good students’ in the automotive power field, not just ‘specialists’ with excellent individual technologies.” Notably, this real vehicle test received consistent support from outdoor brand TFO, as well as strong backing from Jingbo New Energy and Fuwei Co., extending this 20th-anniversary celebration into a bond of supply chain collaboration.
The 20th “China Heart” test honors twenty years of technology development. It outlines a clear path for China’s automotive power technology to lead globally. The final award list is not yet announced. The industry awaits this authoritative result to provide clear guidance for future technology directions.