In a major push to meet its climate goals and reduce carbon emissions, China has designated 15 cities as pilot zones to promote the use of new energy vehicles in public transport.  

Over the next three years, the government aims to add more than 600,000 new energy vehicles, including buses, taxis, sanitizing trucks, and delivery vehicles, among others, across these pilot cities, which include Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chongqing. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated earlier this week that the plan also comprises adding more charging stations, speeding up electrification, and exploring new technologies. 

The pilot cities have been categorized into three groups, with each city being assigned specific targets for the addition of new energy vehicles and charging stations. Developmental goals have also been set in areas including autonomous driving, battery technologies, and the trading of green electricity.

As the world’s top emitter of greenhouse gasses, China has unveiled numerous initiatives aimed at reaching its peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Some measures specifically address the transportation sector, which contributes to approximately 12.5% of the nation’s total carbon emissions. 

The government has also committed to ensuring that clean energy vehicles will make up 40% of all new vehicles by 2030, a significant increase from the 26% recorded in 2022.

Public transport vehicles are at the forefront of this push. China has vowed that by 2035, all such vehicles, including buses, taxis, and rental cars, will be electric. Currently, 77% of buses across the country are operated using new energy sources like electricity and hydrogen. 

Xie Xiaowen, a senior expert at the China Communications and Transportation Association, told domestic outlet Beijing Business Daily that this was the perfect time for the pilot initiative, given China’s robust manufacturing infrastructure. 

“This pilot project will bring more business opportunities and market demands in the electric vehicle industry,” Xie said, adding that it would open doors for various stakeholders including vehicle manufacturers and charging facility producers to contribute to the development.

Editor: Apurva. 

(Header image: IC)