China steps up EV battery and smart-driving inspections on five automakers

<p class="P1" data-sourcepos="5:1-5:376;105-480">China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology launched surprise inspections in late July 2026 at five electric vehicle makers as Beijing widened its crackdown on "involution" industries. The checks focused on battery quality, smart-driving safety and marketing claims after years of intense price competition had raised concerns over product consistency and safety.