In the shadows of charging stations on the outskirts of Guangzhou, electric vehicle (EV) drivers like Lu Yunfeng and Sun Jingguo are reshaping the future of transport — not for luxury, but for survival.
“I drive an electric vehicle because I am poor,” says Lu, a private hire driver. “The cost of petrol is just too high.” Sun, leaning on his Beijing U7, agrees: “It saves money — and helps the environment too.”
While EVs are considered luxury goods in much of the world, in China they have become a pragmatic and affordable solution. In 2023, nearly half of all cars sold in the country were electric, thanks to a decades-long state strategy that has made China the undisputed global leader in EV production and adoption.
China’s journey to the top began in the early 2000s, with policymakers identifying new energy vehicles as a pillar of future industry. Spearheaded by engineer-turned-minister Wan Gang, the country pivoted away from competing with established Western and Japanese petrol car brands and instead poured resources into electric mobility.
That plan paid off. Chinese automaker BYD recently overtook Tesla as the world’s top EV seller, aided by a vast domestic market, extensive state subsidies, and a tightly integrated supply chain. Battery giant CATL, established just over a decade ago, now produces a third of the world’s EV batteries.
The government has spent over $230 billion since 2009 to supercharge the sector, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Subsidies, tax breaks, free registration plates, and a sprawling network of charging and battery-swap stations have made EV ownership economically irresistible for many Chinese citizens.
Start-ups like XPeng are now exporting affordable, tech-packed models such as the $20,000 Mona Max. “There’s immense pressure to deliver better cars at lower prices,” said XPeng President Brian Gu. “But the competition and innovation in China are unmatched.”
The country’s success is also stirring concern abroad. The U.S., EU, and Canada have imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs, citing unfair trade practices and national security concerns. In contrast, the UK has so far resisted such measures, opening its doors to Chinese brands like BYD and XPeng.
Critics, including former British spy chief Sir Richard Dearlove, have warned about potential surveillance risks, labelling Chinese EVs “computers on wheels.” Chinese executives dismiss the allegations, arguing their data practices are secure and transparent.
Still, for ordinary drivers like Lu and Sun, the decision is far simpler. “It’s not about politics,” says Sun. “I think the world should thank China for bringing this technology to everyone.”
