The new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is a key sector for achieving dual carbon goals and advancing regional green transformation. Its sustainable development depends on the deep coupling of the industrial chain and the innovation chain. Drawing on data from Shaanxi’s NEV industry covering the period 2014–2023, this study employed kernel density estimation (KDE), the entropy weight method, the coupling coordination degree model, and the optimal parameter geographical detector. Specifically, we examine Shaanxi’s national positioning and spatial pattern within the NEV industry, the spatiotemporal evolution of the coupling coordination degree between its industrial and innovation chains, and the key driving factors along with their interaction mechanisms. The results indicate that Shaanxi is situated within the secondary core growth zone of central and western China. Within the province, the industry exhibits a pronounced spatial pattern characterized by single core concentration in Xi’an, contiguous support across the Guanzhong region, and point-like distribution in northern and southern Shaanxi. The dual-chain coupling coordination degree in Shaanxi’s NEV industry has improved steadily, resulting in a four-tier structure comprising core breakthrough, secondary catch-up, weak foundation, and lagging predicament categories. The dominant driving factors are Industrial Agglomeration Degree, Research and Development (R&D) Funding Input, and Resource Utilization Rate. The interaction between Resource Utilization Rate and Integration Degree exerts the strongest effect.
Hu et al. (2026) studied this question.