Foreign Media: China's High-Speed Rail Helps Promote Electric Vehicle Adoption
China's high-speed rail network not only makes travel more convenient, but also plays an important role in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). In 2024, China accounted for nearly two-thirds of global EV sales, far exceeding Europe and the United States. High-speed rail and electric vehicles are not substitutes, but complementary transportation modes that have accelerated the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. Research found that the expansion of high-speed rail can explain one-third of the growth in China's electric vehicle market share.
The popularity of high-speed rail has addressed the "range anxiety" of electric vehicles, allowing consumers to choose electric vehicles for daily commuting, while long-distance travel relies on high-speed rail. Data shows that newly built high-speed rail lines have significantly boosted EV sales, especially in economically developed eastern regions. Supporting policies for high-speed rail and electric vehicles, such as car purchase subsidies and charging infrastructure development, further promote the adoption of electric vehicles.
Additionally, the study also shows that the adoption of electric vehicles is not the result of a single factor, but rather the result of the synergistic effect of multiple policies and infrastructure. For other countries, learning from China's experience and developing complementary transportation systems is key to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853628338235472/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.