China mandates 30% EVs in government fleets in boost for carmakers, decarbonisation

Chinese government departments have been told to prioritise electric vehicle (EVs) purchases for official use, as Beijing ramps up efforts to promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles while providing another boost for the industry.

“The circular has been released to better regulate government procurement of new-energy vehicles [NEVs],” the statement said. “The goal is to promote the use of electric cars.”

Sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in China, the world’s largest automotive and EV market, account for more than 60 per cent of the global total. Since July, demand for EVs has outpaced that for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

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‘Overtaking on a bend’: how China’s EV industry charged ahead to dominate the global market

‘Overtaking on a bend’: how China’s EV industry charged ahead to dominate the global market

“Government departments at different levels will be able to meet the requirement easily now that the market abounds with EV models that are seen as value for money,” said Gao Shen, an independent analyst in Shanghai. With charging infrastructure rapidly expanding, EVs will grow in popularity on the mainland, he added.