CINEVE | CATARC Development: Solving the 'Dare Not Repair' Issue, Standardization and AI Reshape the New Energy Repair Ecosystem

The three-day China New Energy Vehicle Maintenance Training Institution Skills Competition recently concluded successfully in Beijing. Among them, the "Master's Lecture" presented by Wang Fafu, Head of the Aftermarket Business Department of CATARC Automotive Technology Development (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., directly addressed the core contradiction in the industry: "Turning 'Dare Not Repair' into 'Can Repair'."

1. The Trillion-Yuan Aftermarket Faces the Embarrassment of "Unable to Repair"

By the end of 2025, the number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China is expected to reach 43.97 million, with the aftermarket opportunity scale reaching a staggering 7 trillion yuan. Wang Fafu pointed out that users are facing a triple dilemma: 

• Unable to Repair: The cost of replacing a battery pack ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 yuan, and some automakers have exited the market, leaving car owners with nowhere to repair their vehicles.

• Unable to Insure: Insurance coverage is difficult to obtain, costs are high, and disputes over claims are frequent.

• Uncertain Compensation: Insurance companies struggle to assess the health status of batteries, leading to high pressure on compensation.

By 2025, new energy vehicle insurance premiums are expected to grow by 33.88%, but the growth in claims is even higher. Operational vehicles account for 18% of the market, with daily driving distances 3–4 times that of private cars, raising the overall claims ratio.

2. Why "Dare Not Repair"

The deep-rooted shortcomings in current repair services can be broken down into four dimensions: 

• High Technical Threshold: The battery system is complex, and most repair companies can only offer "full-pack replacement."

• Talent Shortage: There is a gap of 824,000 professionals in the aftersales service for new energy vehicles, with an extreme shortage of battery testing, repair, and safety operation experts.

• Parts Monopoly: Automakers strictly control spare parts and diagnostic tools, and warranty policies are tied to authorized channels, limiting owners' options.

• Low Transparency: Third-party repair services offer lower quotes but carry higher risks, with opaque prices and services, leading to a significant gap between user expectations and reality.

Traditional repair shops outside 4S dealerships mostly only dare to perform basic repairs, while issues with the three electrics (battery, motor, and electronic control systems) are 'untouchable' and 'beyond their ability to fix.' The distribution density of authorized service centers is low, especially in third- and fourth-tier cities and remote areas, resulting in a severe shortage of service capabilities.

3.Standardization: Establishing Rules for "Professional Repairs"

In response to the industry's pain points, the establishment of standardization has become the key to breaking the deadlock. Starting in 2024, the new version of the "Repair Enterprise Opening Conditions" and several national standards will be implemented, with clear requirements: 

• Hardware: An independent workshop for three-electrics repairs, equipped with 13 specialized devices, including a power battery lift, balancing equipment, air-tightness tester, and others.

• Personnel: At least one technical supervisor, one quality inspector, and two high-voltage system maintenance workers (holding a low-voltage electrician special operation certificate).

• Safety: Warning signs at high-voltage workstations, emergency equipment on-site, and regular emergency drills.

• Service: Full-process management including appointments, on-site inspections, repair work, project completion, and claims services.

Minister Wang emphasized, "Enterprises must upgrade both safety compliance and technical investment in order to establish a strong position in the market."

4. Future Trends: From "Full-Pack Replacement" to "Remanufacturing + AI"

• 4.1 Battery Remanufacturing

Costs drop by 40%-50% through testing, disassembly, and repair, restoring the performance of old batteries. This solves the contradiction of "battery scrap, car still usable" and can also be used for energy storage and secondary utilization. 

• 4.2 AI Reshaping Repair Services

From fault diagnosis to the parts supply chain, AI improves efficiency and accuracy. "In the future, AI will handle repetitive tasks, while humans will oversee critical decisions." AI will be responsible for 24/7 diagnostics and generating solutions, while humans will focus on complex logic and safety standards. 

As Minister Wang mentioned in his presentation: "The new energy vehicle repair industry is at a key transitional period, shifting from 'wild growth' to 'standardized professionalism.' Standardization is the foundation, talent is the core, and remanufacturing and AI are the future."

Exciting Preview

In 2026, we will bring together more industry forces to focus on four key areas: new energy vehicle repair technology, intelligent detection equipment, professional repair tools, and core components. We will conduct in-depth discussions and precise matchmaking. Look forward to more valuable content and tailored opportunities!