Chinese regulators have launched a coordinated investigation into safety concerns involving the Maextro V800, a luxury electric vehicle supported by Huawei Technologies. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced on Thursday that a joint team including officials from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) would verify reports of brake pedal failures detected during emergency braking tests.
The action follows an incident brought to attention on October 8 when ByteDance-owned car information platform Dongchedi released a video showing brake-pedal brackets snapping on all three Maextro V800 vehicles used in an emergency braking test from 100 km/h. The clip quickly circulated online, prompting concern over the reliability of the vehicles. The People’s Daily, widely regarded as the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, highlighted the case on Sunday in a commentary emphasizing the need for enhanced oversight of the country’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Authorities have stressed the importance of addressing the issue promptly and transparently. The MIIT said the involved ministries “have paid close attention to the issue” and pledged to release relevant information in a timely manner. Independent analyst Gao Shen in Shanghai noted the internet regulator’s role in filtering misinformation that could unfairly damage the reputation of Chinese carmakers, while acknowledging consumer demand for clarity amid the heightened scrutiny.
Maextro, a joint venture between Huawei and JAC Motors based in Anhui province, has committed to full cooperation with the investigation team. The company stated it aimed to protect consumer interests and support the broader development of China’s EV industry. On Sunday, Maextro announced plans to resolve the brake pedal issue by the end of October. JAC assembles the vehicles, while Huawei contributes technology related to smart driving systems and digital cockpits through its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance.
The Maextro V800 is among the priciest electric cars on the mainland Chinese market, commanding a base price of 766,000 yuan (approximately HK$889,000). The incident comes amid intensified regulatory efforts to bolster EV safety and quality standards. Last weekend, the MIIT alongside three other ministry-level agencies unveiled draft regulations requiring extensive vetting of new models, including a minimum of 30,000 kilometers of road testing prior to market release. Simultaneously, Beijing has initiated a nationwide inspection campaign aimed at verifying the quality of domestically produced vehicles as the country’s EV market faces slowing growth.