China's electric vehicles and electric bicycles are accelerating their expansion overseas, leveraging the global energy crisis to broaden their international market presence.

China's automotive rise resembles Japan's car boom during the 1973 oil crisis

Japan's COURRIER JAPAN, in an article published on May 25, stated: "Today's Chinese automobiles bear a striking resemblance to the rise of Japanese cars during the first oil crisis in 1973."

The article notes that the energy crisis triggered by the U.S.-Iran conflict has further accelerated the development of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

The UAE-based newspaper Gulf News draws a parallel between this crisis and the 1973 oil crisis. At that time, an oil embargo by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) caused crude oil prices to quadruple, forcing Americans to abandon their domestic vehicles and switch instead to compact models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Japan’s share of the U.S. auto market surged from around 10% in 1976 to approximately 20% by 1980. General Motors’ sales dropped by 34%, Ford’s by 47%, triggering massive disruption. The report points out, “In this oil crisis, the spotlight has now shifted to China’s electric vehicles.”

In China, over half of new car sales are now electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, domestic market growth may slow down due to declining population.

As attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran began, coupled with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, roughly 20% of global oil supply was cut off, causing crude oil prices to skyrocket.

According to Gulf News, Chinese EV manufacturers such as BYD, NIO, and Lynk & Co are viewing the recent oil crisis as an opportunity for rapid expansion.

In this trend, China’s “largest electric bicycle manufacturer,” Yadi, is also accelerating its entry into Europe.

As reported by the UK’s Financial Times, after the outbreak of the Iran conflict, Yadi’s sales in Southeast Asia and South America surged, with overseas sales expected to grow by about 70% compared to 2025. In March this year, the company raised its overseas sales target from 310,000 to 450,000 units, expanding markets to London, Paris, and Hungary. To counter EU tariffs, plans for constructing a Yadi factory in Europe are currently underway.

According to data from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), global e-bike ownership rates stand at only 15%, indicating significant room for growth.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866167457112075/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author