Anhui EV Supply Chain Mapping Tool
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Visualizing Anhui’s EV Supply Chain
2. Tool Overview and Purpose
3. Key Supply Chain Clusters in Anhui
4. Supply Chain Mapping Methodology
5. Data Layers and Information Sources
6. Mapping Analysis Capabilities
7. Supplier Radius and Logistics Analysis
8. Supply Chain Gap Analysis
9. Practical Use Cases
10. How to Use the Tool
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Conclusion: Leveraging the Map
1. Introduction: Visualizing Anhui’s EV Supply Chain
Anhui Province’s EV supply chain has grown rapidly to encompass over 2,000 enterprises spread across 16 prefecture-level cities. For foreign investors entering this complex ecosystem, understanding the spatial distribution of suppliers, the density of different component clusters, logistics connectivity, and supply chain gaps is critical for making informed site selection and sourcing decisions.
The Anhui EV Supply Chain Mapping Tool is a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based platform that provides a comprehensive, interactive visual representation of the province’s EV supply chain. Developed by the Anhui Investment Promotion Bureau in partnership with the Provincial Department of Natural Resources, the tool enables users to explore, analyze, and optimize their supply chain strategies through spatial data visualization and analysis.
This article serves as both a user guide and a reference document for the mapping tool. It describes the tool’s capabilities, data layers, analysis functions, and practical applications for foreign investors. The tool itself is available as a web-based platform accessible through any modern browser, with both Chinese and English language interfaces.
2. Tool Overview and Purpose
The Anhui EV Supply Chain Mapping Tool addresses the following key needs for foreign investors:
- Spatial Awareness: Visualize where suppliers are located in relation to each other, to major transportation corridors, and to your proposed facility location
- Cluster Identification: Identify geographic concentrations of specific supply chain segments (e.g., battery suppliers in Hefei, motor suppliers in Wuhu, battery materials in Bozhou)
- Logistics Optimization: Calculate transportation distances and times between potential facility locations and supplier clusters
- Gap Analysis: Identify supply chain gaps where certain components or services are underrepresented in specific regions
- Scenario Planning: Compare multiple site locations based on proximity to suppliers, customers, ports, and talent pools
- Investment Targeting: Identify industrial parks and development zones with available land and suitable infrastructure for specific EV sub-sectors
3. Key Supply Chain Clusters in Anhui
The mapping tool reveals several distinct supply chain clusters across Anhui Province. Understanding these clusters is essential for strategic supply chain planning.
Hefei: The Comprehensive EV Hub
Battery Manufacturing Vehicle Assembly Intelligent Driving R&D Centers
Hefei is the undisputed center of Anhui’s EV industry, hosting NIO’s global headquarters and second manufacturing plant, Volkswagen Anhui’s EV production base, and Gotion High-Tech’s battery headquarters. The city’s EV ecosystem spans the entire value chain with particular strength in battery manufacturing, vehicle assembly, intelligent driving software, and EV R&D. Hefei’s EV cluster includes approximately 800 supplier enterprises concentrated in the Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei High-Tech Zone, and the Hefei EV Industrial Park. The city benefits from excellent logistics connectivity through the Hefei Xinqiao International Airport cargo terminal and the Hefei North Railway freight station, which connects to the China Railway Express network serving Europe and Central Asia.
Key Sub-Clusters: Battery cells & packs (East Hefei), Vehicle assembly & body (South Hefei), Intelligent driving R&D (High-Tech Zone), EV components (Economic Zone)
Estimated Supplier Density: ~800 enterprises within 30km radius
Wuhu: The Traditional Automotive Powerhouse Transitioning to EV
Motor & Powertrain Chassis Components Auto Parts Export Chery Ecosystem
Wuhu, home to Chery Automobile, has a 30-year heritage in automotive manufacturing and is transitioning rapidly to EV production. The city’s EV supply chain is particularly strong in electric motor manufacturing, powertrain components, chassis systems, and traditional automotive parts adapted for EV platforms. Wuhu’s National Automotive Parts Export Base provides specialized infrastructure for export-oriented suppliers. The city’s location on the Yangtze River provides convenient and low-cost water transport access to Shanghai and other East China ports.
Key Sub-Clusters: Motor manufacturing (Wuhu Economic Zone), Chassis & powertrain (North Wuhu), Auto parts export processing (Wuhu Export Base)
Estimated Supplier Density: ~500 enterprises within 25km radius
Bozhou: The Battery Raw Materials Hub
Battery Materials Cathode/Anode Lithium Processing Chemical Processing
Bozhou has positioned itself as Anhui’s primary battery materials processing center. The Bozhou EV Battery Materials Industrial Park hosts companies involved in lithium compound processing, cathode and anode material production, electrolyte manufacturing, and battery recycling. The cluster benefits from proximity to lithium sources in neighboring provinces and dedicated rail infrastructure for bulk material transport. Bozhou offers the most generous land subsidies in Anhui for battery materials companies, making it an attractive location for upstream supply chain investments.
Key Sub-Clusters: Lithium processing (Bozhou Industrial Park North), Cathode/anode materials (Bozhou Industrial Park South), Battery recycling (East Bozhou)
Estimated Supplier Density: ~200 enterprises within 20km radius
Chuzhou: The Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Corridor
ICV Testing V2X Infrastructure Sensor Technology Automotive Electronics
Chuzhou has developed along the “Nanjing-Hefei” corridor as a specialized hub for intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) testing and automotive electronics. The Chuzhou Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Base is one of China’s largest and most comprehensive ICV testing facilities, offering simulated driving environments for autonomous vehicle validation. The surrounding area has attracted a cluster of sensor manufacturers, V2X communication equipment providers, and automotive electronics companies. Chuzhou’s proximity to both Hefei (90 km) and Nanjing (80 km) makes it a strategic location for companies serving both the Anhui and Jiangsu automotive markets.
Key Sub-Clusters: ICV testing & validation (Chuzhou Test Base), Sensor & camera manufacturing (Chuzhou High-Tech Zone), Automotive electronics (Chuzhou Economic Zone)
Estimated Supplier Density: ~150 enterprises within 30km radius
Tongling: The EV Copper and Electronics Hub
Copper Processing Electronic Components Wiring Harnesses Connectors
Tongling, historically known as China’s “Copper Capital,” has leveraged its copper processing expertise to become a key supplier of copper-based EV components including wiring harnesses, connectors, busbars, and copper foils for battery current collectors. The Tongling EV Electronics Industrial Park specializes in electronic components for EV applications. The city’s established industrial base and skilled workforce in metal processing make it a cost-competitive location for component manufacturing.
Key Sub-Clusters: Copper foil (Tongling Economic Zone), Wiring harnesses & connectors (Tongling Industrial Park), Power electronics (Tongling High-Tech Zone)
Estimated Supplier Density: ~150 enterprises within 20km radius
4. Supply Chain Mapping Methodology
The mapping tool uses a multi-layered GIS approach to represent Anhui’s EV supply chain:
4.1 Base Map Layer
The base map provides Anhui Province’s administrative boundaries (16 prefecture-level cities, 105 county-level divisions), major transportation networks (expressways G3, G40, G50, G4211, G4212; railways including high-speed rail connections; waterways including the Yangtze River shipping channel), and topographical features.
4.2 Supplier Location Layer
Each of the 2,000+ EV suppliers in the database is plotted as a point on the map, color-coded by supply chain category (battery: green, motor: blue, electronics: orange, chassis: purple, interior: yellow, software: red, charging: pink, logistics: gray, R&D: cyan). Point size indicates production capacity or company size. Clicking on any point displays company details including name, products, certifications, capacity, and contact information.
4.3 Cluster Heat Map Layer
This layer generates heat maps showing the density of suppliers by category across the province. Darker areas indicate higher supplier concentration, helping users identify the geographic center of gravity for each supply chain segment.
4.4 Industrial Park Layer
All designated EV industrial parks are shown as polygons with detailed information including available land area, utilities capacity, current occupancy rate, and park-level incentive programs.
4.5 Logistics Infrastructure Layer
Major logistics infrastructure including ports (Hefei Port, Wuhu Port, Tongling Port, Anqing Port), airports (Hefei Xinqiao, Wuhu Xuancheng, Anqing Tianzhushan, Fuyang Xiguan), railway freight stations, and logistics parks are plotted as distinct icons with capacity and service information.
5. Data Layers and Information Sources
| Data Layer | Data Source | Update Frequency | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier Locations | Anhui EV Supply Chain Public Service Platform | Monthly | 2,000+ suppliers |
| Industrial Parks | Anhui Department of Natural Resources | Quarterly | 45 parks with EV focus |
| Road Network | Anhui Department of Transport | Annual | Full province |
| Rail Network | China Railway Group | Annual | Full province |
| Port Facilities | Anhui Port and Waterway Authority | Quarterly | 16 inland ports |
| Labor Market Data | Anhui Bureau of Statistics | Annual | By city/district |
| Land Availability | Anhui Department of Natural Resources | Quarterly | Industrial land parcels |
| Logistics Service Providers | Anhui Logistics Association | Semi-annual | 200+ logistics companies |
| Utility Infrastructure | State Grid Anhui, water utilities | Annual | Power substations, pipelines |
6. Mapping Analysis Capabilities
The mapping tool offers the following analysis functions accessible through the web-based interface:
6.1 Supplier Density Analysis
Generates heat maps and density contours for selected supply chain categories within a user-defined radius. Useful for understanding the concentration of specific supplier types near a proposed facility location. The analysis outputs supplier count by distance bands (5km, 10km, 20km, 50km) and provides summary statistics.
6.2 Drive Time and Distance Analysis
Calculates driving distances and estimated travel times between user-selected points and supplier clusters, ports, or customer locations. The algorithm accounts for road network quality and typical traffic conditions. Results are displayed both as route lines on the map and as data tables.
6.3 Supplier Gap Analysis
For a given location and radius, the tool identifies which supply chain categories are underrepresented relative to provincial averages. This helps investors understand what supply sources would need to be brought in from farther distances and what local sourcing opportunities may be underserved.
6.4 Multi-Criteria Site Selection
Users can define weighted criteria (e.g., proximity to battery suppliers: 30%, port access: 20%, available land: 25%, labor pool: 25%) and the tool generates a ranked list of optimal locations with visual map overlays. This is one of the most powerful features for investors in the site selection phase.
6.5 Supply Chain Cascade Visualization
For a specific component or final product, the tool can visualize the supply chain cascade — from raw material suppliers to component manufacturers to sub-assemblers to final assembly — showing the geographic flow of materials across Anhui. This helps identify logistics efficiencies and vulnerabilities.
7. Supplier Radius and Logistics Analysis
Understanding logistics efficiency is critical for EV supply chain planning. The mapping tool provides detailed radius analysis for any selected location.
7.1 Example: Supplier Access Radius from Hefei EV Industrial Park
| Supply Chain Category | Suppliers within 20km | Suppliers within 50km | Suppliers within 100km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery materials & cells | 45 | 120 | 185 |
| Motor & powertrain | 30 | 85 | 140 |
| Power electronics | 55 | 130 | 180 |
| Chassis & body parts | 40 | 110 | 170 |
| Interior & exterior trim | 25 | 65 | 110 |
| Software & connectivity | 60 | 95 | 115 |
| Charging infrastructure | 15 | 40 | 65 |
| Total EV suppliers | 270 | 645 | 965 |
7.2 Logistics Connectivity Analysis
| From Hefei EV Industrial Park To | Distance (km) | Drive Time | Rail Option | Waterway Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hefei Xinqiao International Airport | 25 | 30 min | — | — |
| Hefei North Railway Freight Station | 15 | 20 min | — | — |
| Wuhu Port (Yangtze River) | 140 | 90 min | Yes (2 hrs) | — |
| Shanghai Port (for export) | 460 | 4.5 hrs | Yes (3.5 hrs) | Yes (48 hrs) |
| Nanjing | 160 | 2 hrs | Yes (45 min HSR) | — |
| Ningbo Port | 520 | 5 hrs | Yes (4 hrs) | — |
8. Supply Chain Gap Analysis
One of the most valuable features of the mapping tool is its ability to identify supply chain gaps — categories where supplier density is below the provincial average or below benchmark levels for efficient just-in-time manufacturing.
8.1 Current Gaps in Anhui’s EV Supply Chain
Based on mapping tool analysis and interviews with OEMs operating in Anhui, the following supply chain gaps have been identified:
| Gap Category | Description | Opportunity for Foreign Investors |
|---|---|---|
| High-end power semiconductors | Limited local supply of SiC and GaN power devices for 800V architecture inverters | High — most SiC devices currently sourced from outside Anhui |
| Advanced driver assistance sensors | LiDAR, 4D imaging radar, and high-resolution camera modules are under-represented | High — local OEMs seeking local sensor suppliers |
| Battery recycling and second-life | Battery recycling infrastructure is in early stages; limited formal capacity | High — regulatory requirements for battery recycling are increasing |
| EV-specific thermal management systems | Advanced thermal management (heat pumps, battery thermal management) has limited local supply | Medium-high — growing demand with battery density increases |
| High-end EV testing equipment | Battery cyclers, EMC chambers, and durability test equipment mainly imported | Medium — niche market with good margins |
| EV software and middleware | Automotive-grade middleware, OTA platforms, and cybersecurity solutions | Medium — growing as software-defined vehicles proliferate |
| Sustainable and recycled materials | Low-carbon aluminum, recycled plastics for interior, sustainable battery materials | Medium — driven by EU battery regulation and export requirements |
8.2 Using Gap Analysis for Investment Targeting
Foreign investors can use the gap analysis function to identify underserved supply chain segments in specific locations. For example, a company considering LiDAR manufacturing in Anhui can use the tool to identify that there are only 3 LiDAR-related suppliers in the entire province, with none located within 50km of Hefei’s vehicle assembly plants — creating a clear market opportunity with ready demand from local OEMs.
9. Practical Use Cases
9.1 Use Case: Site Selection for a Battery Pack Assembly Plant
A foreign company planning to establish a battery pack assembly plant in Anhui used the mapping tool to evaluate three potential locations: Hefei EV Industrial Park, Wuhu Economic Zone, and Bozhou Battery Materials Park. The tool’s multi-criteria analysis showed that Hefei scored highest (88/100) due to proximity to battery cell suppliers (Gotion, NIO), customer assembly plants (NIO, Volkswagen Anhui), and logistics infrastructure. Bozhou scored 72/100 (strong on raw materials, weak on customer proximity). Wuhu scored 65/100 (moderate on all factors). The company selected Hefei and was able to identify 45 potential cell suppliers within 50km, reducing logistics costs by an estimated 18% compared to the next best option.
9.2 Use Case: Supplier Diversification Analysis
An existing foreign-invested EV component manufacturer in Hefei used the mapping tool’s supply chain cascade visualization to identify that 70% of its raw material input was sourced from a single logistics corridor. The tool helped identify alternative suppliers in different geographic clusters, enabling the company to develop a dual-sourcing strategy that reduced supply chain disruption risk by an estimated 60%.
9.3 Use Case: Export Logistics Optimization
A foreign company planning to export EV components from Anhui to European markets used the tool to compare logistics costs from different Anhui locations. The analysis compared road-rail-sea combinations from Hefei, Wuhu (Yangtze River direct), and Bozhou (rail to Ningbo Port). The tool’s logistics cost calculator showed that Wuhu offered the lowest total logistics cost (¥12,500/container vs. ¥14,800 from Hefei and ¥16,200 from Bozhou) due to direct Yangtze River access reducing inland transport costs by 30%.
10. How to Use the Tool
Step 1: Access the Platform
Navigate to the Anhui EV Supply Chain Mapping Platform at www.ah-ev-map.com. The platform is accessible from any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari recommended). First-time users need to register with a valid email address and company information. Foreign users can register using their company’s Chinese business license number or, if not yet registered in China, can request a temporary access code from the Anhui Investment Promotion Bureau.
Step 2: Configure Your View
After logging in, you will see the main map interface. Use the layer control panel (left sidebar) to select which data layers to display. Start by selecting your relevant supply chain category layers. Use the search bar to locate specific cities, industrial parks, or company names. Zoom in and out using the scroll wheel or zoom controls.
Step 3: Run an Analysis
Select the analysis function from the toolbar. For site selection analysis, click “Site Selection” and enter your criteria and weights. For supplier density analysis, click “Density Analysis,” select your categories and radius, then click a point on the map. For gap analysis, click “Gap Analysis” and select your location. Results are displayed as map overlays and data tables.
Step 4: Export Results
All analysis results can be exported as PDF reports, Excel data tables, or image files. The “Export Report” function generates a formatted PDF with map screenshots, analysis results, and summary statistics suitable for internal review and board presentations. Data tables can be exported as CSV files for further analysis in spreadsheet software.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
11.1 Is the mapping tool free to use?
Yes, the web-based mapping platform is free for all registered users. Access is provided as a public service by the Anhui Investment Promotion Bureau. Some advanced analysis features (multi-criteria site selection, custom report generation) may require an access code provided by the AIPB, which is issued to qualified investment projects.
11.2 How accurate are the supplier locations?
Supplier locations are verified through multiple data sources including business registration addresses, site visits by AIPB staff, and GPS coordinates provided by the suppliers themselves. Accuracy is estimated at ±100m for 95% of listed suppliers. Location data is updated monthly.
11.3 Can the tool be used for supply chain risk assessment?
Yes. The tool can identify concentration risk by showing when a particular supplier category is geographically concentrated in a single area, or when a region relies on a single logistics corridor. The cascade visualization feature helps identify single points of failure in multi-tier supply chains.
11.4 Can I add my company’s location to the map?
Yes. Once your company establishes operations in Anhui and registers with the Anhui EV Supply Chain Public Service Platform, your company will automatically be added to the mapping database. You can also request early listing by contacting the AIPB with your planned location and investment details.
11.5 Is the tool available in languages other than Chinese?
Yes. The platform is fully bilingual in Chinese and English. Interface elements, data labels, and report templates are available in both languages. Supplier company information is displayed in Chinese with English translations available for most major suppliers. User documentation is provided in both languages.
12. Conclusion: Leveraging the Map
The Anhui EV Supply Chain Mapping Tool represents a significant resource for foreign investors seeking to understand and navigate the province’s complex EV ecosystem. By providing interactive, data-rich visualization of the entire supply chain, the tool enables smarter site selection, more efficient logistics planning, better risk management, and identification of market opportunities in supply chain gaps.
To get the most value from the mapping tool:
- Start early: Use the tool during initial market research to understand the supply chain landscape before making site selection decisions.
- Combine with on-the-ground intelligence: Use map data to plan efficient site visit itineraries that allow you to see multiple potential locations and supplier clusters in a single trip.
- Run multiple scenarios: Don’t settle on a single site or sourcing strategy. Use the multi-criteria analysis to compare at least 3-5 different scenarios before making decisions.
- Update regularly: Anhui’s EV supply chain is evolving rapidly. Check the tool quarterly for new suppliers, new industrial parks, and changing logistics connectivity.
- Share with stakeholders: Use the tool’s export and report functions to share supply chain intelligence with your headquarters, investment committee, and logistics planning teams.
The Anhui EV Supply Chain Mapping Tool is continuously being enhanced with new data layers, analysis capabilities, and user features. The AIPB welcomes user feedback and suggestions for improvements. For training sessions or technical support, contact the AIPB’s Supply Chain Mapping Team at map-support@ah-invest.gov.cn.