China’s Booming EV Modification Market

Why High-End Car Owners Are Driving a New Aftermarket Wave

The automotive modification market in China is entering a golden growth phase. According to median estimates, China’s car modification market is expected to reach RMB 230 billion (≈ USD 32 billion) by 2025. Policy relaxation, rising disposable income, and a younger generation of car owners are accelerating demand for personalization, performance upgrades, and lifestyle-driven vehicle modifications.

Among all emerging segments, new energy vehicle (NEV) modification is quickly becoming the most dynamic and commercially attractive battlefield.

Li Auto: A Perfect Case Study of High-Value EV Owners

Li Auto is a representative example of how a single EV brand can generate a massive aftermarket ecosystem.

• By September 30, 2025, Li Auto’s cumulative deliveries reached 1.43 million vehicles
• Total vehicle ownership is expected to exceed 3 million units within five years
• The newly launched Li i6 recorded 45,000 orders within 48 hours, generating more than RMB 11 billion in sales

From Li ONE to Li i6, the brand has built a user base characterized by:

• High purchasing power
• Strong willingness to customize
• Long-term ownership cycles

For aftermarket businesses, this is not just a customer group — it is a long-term revenue engine.

Why EV Owners Modify Their Cars

For young, affluent EV owners, factory configuration is only the starting point. Modification is a way to express individuality, enhance comfort, and expand vehicle functionality.

Market research shows that Li Auto owners demonstrate exceptionally high acceptance of aftermarket upgrades, especially in the following categories:

1. Exterior Modifications: Design Is Identity

Popular upgrades include:

Aerodynamic body kits (large and small bumpers)

Forged alloy wheels and performance brake calipers

Headlight and taillight upgrades

Vehicle wrap films, chrome deletion, and custom color finishes

These modifications require precision-manufactured metal parts, brackets, mounts, and structural components, often produced through CNC machining.

Many global workshops source these components from experienced manufacturers such as XTJ Precision Mfg, a supplier specializing in custom automotive modification parts, including aluminum and steel components for exterior and chassis systems.

2. Interior & Cabin Upgrades: Comfort Without Limits

Interior customization shows one of the highest modification intent levels, with over 63% of owners actively considering upgrades.

Typical projects include:

Electric side steps

Ambient lighting systems

Modular center consoles

Adjustable headrests and premium seating systems

Integrated interior structural components

Behind these features are custom CNC brackets, housings, connectors, and mounting frames, which must meet strict dimensional accuracy and durability standards.

As a professional automotive modification parts supplier, XTJ provides CNC-milled billet parts and custom metal assemblies used in interior upgrade solutions for both EVs and ICE vehicles.

3. Performance & Chassis Enhancements

Although positioned as family-oriented vehicles, EV owners increasingly pursue better handling and driving confidence.

• High-demand upgrades include:
• Brake system components
• Suspension tuning parts
• Underbody protection plates
• Chassis reinforcement bars
• Roof racks and outdoor expansion kits

These applications rely heavily on high-strength, lightweight CNC-machined aluminum and steel parts, where consistency and safety are critical.

For overseas modification brands and workshops, working with a reliable CNC automotive parts manufacturer like XTJ ensures stable quality and scalable production for global markets.

4. “Old-to-New” Retrofits: Extending Vehicle Lifecycles

Owners of earlier EV models are increasingly upgrading:

• Front and rear bumpers
• Lighting assemblies
• Infotainment hardware
• Camera and mirror systems

This trend significantly extends vehicle lifecycle value and creates recurring aftermarket demand — particularly for custom-fit metal components and mounting systems.

• High-Value Owners, High Conversion Potential
• The Li Auto customer profile is evolving rapidly:
• From family-focused buyers
• To younger, design-driven, tech-oriented consumers

These users:

• Value personalization
• Are willing to pay for quality
• Seek long-term upgrade paths

This shift mirrors global trends in the automotive aftermarket, especially in EV-heavy regions.

What This Means for the Global Aftermarket Industry

China’s EV modification boom is not a local phenomenon — it signals a global opportunity for:

• Aftermarket brands
• Modification workshops
• Automotive component suppliers
• The winners will be those who can deliver:
• High-precision parts
• Customization flexibility
• Stable manufacturing quality

That’s where custom CNC automotive parts manufacturers play a critical role.

Global Opportunity Beyond China

While this trend is rooted in the Chinese market, similar dynamics are emerging globally. As EV penetration increases in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, demand for aftermarket parts — especially precision CNC components — is rising.

For international aftermarket brands, suppliers like XTJ Precision Mfg represent a strategic source for:

1. High-precision automotive machining parts
2. Custom aluminum and steel CNC components
3. Specialty modification hardware tailored to global standards

The ability to deliver global shipments with quality certification (ISO 9001) and flexible batch sizes makes such partners attractive in competitive aftermarket supply chains.

Final Thoughts

Automotive modification is no longer optional — it is a strategic growth engine for the next 20 years of the aftermarket industry.

As EV adoption accelerates worldwide, custom parts, precision manufacturing, and flexible suppliers will define who captures this expanding market.

The next breakout modification brand, platform, or supplier may already be taking shape — and those who prepare early will lead the future.