The 2025 national new energy vehicle rural campaign chooses Rugao, Nantong, as its first stop. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The first stop of the 2025 national new energy vehicle rural campaign was launched in Pingyuanchi village, Rugao, Nantong, on June 15, marking a major push to bring green mobility to rural areas.

The event gathered around 70 leading car brands, including Dongfeng and Li Auto, showcasing over 150 vehicle models that ranged from passenger cars to commercial and specialized vehicles. The display catered to a wide range of mobility needs, from daily commuting to agricultural use.

Over 10 charging infrastructure companies, including Huawei and Sinopec, also participated. Customized financial and maintenance services were introduced, helping ensure that NEVs are not only affordable but also practical for rural users.

This year's NEV rural campaign targets county-level cities with low adoption rates but high market potential. The campaign also aligns with infrastructure initiatives, such as pilot projects addressing the shortage of rural charging facilities and the deployment of intelligent connected vehicle systems.

Nantong has identified the automotive sector as one of its 16 key industrial chains. The city is home to roughly 230 sizable automotive and component manufacturers. In 2024, the sector's total output exceeded 45 billion yuan ($6.26 billion), representing a 5 percent year-on-year increase. Nantong is actively expanding into emerging fields such as EV powertrains, intelligent connected vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

Nantong had 249,000 registered new energy vehicles as of the end of April 2025, accounting for 10.38 percent of the city's total vehicle ownership.