Source: Global Times
British Broadcasting Company article on June 23, original title: How China Makes Electric Vehicles Mainstream "I drive an electric vehicle because it is cheap." At a charging station in the suburbs of Guangzhou, China, taxi driver Mr. Lu said this. Standing nearby, Mr. Sun also nodded in agreement: "It's too expensive to drive a fuel car. I can save money by driving an electric vehicle. Moreover, it is also beneficial to the environment." For some countries, electric vehicles are seen as a luxury. But in China, it is just a daily reality - nearly half of all cars sold in China last year were electric vehicles.
In the early 21st century, China formulated a plan to lead future technology. This country that was once a bicycle kingdom has now become a leader in the global electric vehicle industry. Automotive industry analyst Michael Dunn said: "China leads by 10 years in the field of electric vehicles, and its strength far exceeds that of other countries."
The large leading advantage China has achieved is due to its ability to mobilize economic resources for a long time to realize strategic goals. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that from 2009 to the end of 2023, China invested 231 billion US dollars in the electric vehicle sector. Every link in the Chinese electric vehicle industry, from consumers, automakers to battery suppliers, is eligible for funding and support. For example, BYD was encouraged to shift from producing mobile phone batteries to focusing on producing electric vehicles; CATL, founded in 2011, now supplies one-third of the world's electric vehicle batteries. Michael Dunn said: "Now, if you want to manufacture a battery for an electric vehicle, all paths will point to China."
China has also built the world's largest public charging network, with charging stations concentrated in major cities, and drivers can reach the nearest charging station in just a few minutes. In addition, CSIS research shows that government funding in China has also made electric vehicles more economically attractive. The public can receive subsidies when replacing non-electric vehicles with electric vehicles, and enjoy tax exemptions and preferential electricity prices at public charging stations.
Although some Western countries have imposed restrictions or bans on smart electric vehicles and related equipment made in China, for the vast majority of Chinese consumers, such as Mr. Sun from Guangzhou, the view is clear: "I think the world should thank China for bringing these technologies to the world, and I am grateful for this." (Authors: Annabelle Liang, Nick Marsh, translated by Ren Yiran)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7519262780134867467/
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