China’s cities have undergone major changes over the past few years. In big cities like Beijing, road noise and pollution have decreased, and the use of electric vehicles has increased. The serenity seen here, electric vehicles with green number plates, are the new symbols.
China’s Move into the EV (Electric Vehicle) Revolution: The growth of electric vehicles (EV) in China is huge. 1.1 million EVs are expected to be sold in China in 2024, putting the country’s gasoline-powered vehicle population on track to almost disappear in the future.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), China has made favorable policies for electric vehicles since 2009. Automakers were given incentives for loans, funding for research, and charging networks. This has made China the world leader in EV production. Local companies such as BYD have made strides in the EV field, creating competition for overseas companies.
Impact of independence on energy:
China had to rely on imported oil, which could pose a “geographic threat” to the country. But, EVs have boosted China’s domestic electricity consumption, reducing oil imports. China’s oil imports fell by two percent in 2024, the first decline in two decades.
Impact on the global oil market:
China has played a major role in global oil demand over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2023, China’s oil demand increased by 600,000 barrels per year, but in 2024, this increase was only 200,000 barrels. The EV revolution is likely to reduce China’s oil demand, while global oil demand will stabilize or decline by 2030, the IEA report said.
Results on other countries:
China’s cheap electric vehicles are being exported extensively to Thailand, Brazil, and other developing countries. This is likely to increase the speed of electrification in transport in other countries as well.
China’s Clean Energy Migration:
China is leading the way in clean energy thanks to the EV revolution. Projects based on solar and wind energy are being set up at a rapid pace. Although China’s electricity generation depends on coal, EVs are having a positive impact on overall carbon emissions.
Comparative analysis with the USA:
America has more gas-powered cars than China. Also, the economic viability of EVs is relatively low due to low gas prices in the US. The Donald Trump administration has opposed EV policy, making it difficult to compare the US to China’s EV success.
China’s EV revolution is shaking up the global auto industry. EVs are China’s impressive step towards clean energy, economic self-reliance, and global leadership. Through this, China is creating a new model globally.