Indeed, batteries are not included in list of components that can be imported duty free to bonded customs zones, as they don't qualify for being "electronic components."
But the situation is the same for all bulk commodities that have to be locally sourced. That is dictated by the initial purpose of free customs zones: give concessions on high value components, but for whatever Chinese industry was good at manufacturing back in nineties, give none.
The companies wanting to make EVs, are completely free to establish companies outside of free customs zones if they don't want to pay double duty.
Indeed, batteries are not included in list of components that can be imported duty free to bonded customs zones, as they don't qualify for being "electronic components."
But the situation is the same for all bulk commodities that have to be locally sourced. That is dictated by the initial purpose of free customs zones: give concessions on high value components, but for whatever Chinese industry was good at manufacturing back in nineties, give none.
The companies wanting to make EVs, are completely free to establish companies outside of free customs zones if they don't want to pay double duty.