How China Made Electric Vehicles Mainstream
In recent years, China has emerged as a global leader in electric vehicles (EVs), with almost half of all cars sold in the country last year being electric. This transformation from a nation dominated by bicycles to one where EVs are commonplace is a remarkable feat, driven by a combination of strategic government planning, substantial financial investment, and a burgeoning domestic market.
At a charging station on the outskirts of Guangzhou, private hire driver Lu Yunfeng shares his reason for choosing an electric vehicle: “I drive an electric vehicle because I am poor.” His sentiment is echoed by fellow driver Sun Jingguo, who emphasizes the cost savings and environmental benefits of driving an EV. This perspective starkly contrasts with many Western countries, where electric vehicles are often seen as luxury items.