Topic: Consumer Behavior

Today we analyze the shifting landscape of the Chinese NEV market as it enters the "late majority" phase by 2026. We find that the era of hardware inflation—characterized by excessive lidars and vanity screens—is losing its grip on pragmatic consumers who prioritize price stability and service over raw specs. By examining the contrasting trajectories of brands like Leapmotor and Zeekr, we observe that trust has become the most expensive flagship configuration in an oversaturated market. Our assessment suggests that while breakthrough technologies like solid-state batteries and L3 autonomous driving are years away, the immediate winning strategy lies in reducing multi-dimensional uncertainty for users. We emphasize that brand power now serves as a crucial filter for mainstream buyers navigating complex technical choices, where avoiding mistakes is more vital than extreme innovation.