Page last updated: 14 October 2024
China is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles (EVs), consistently leading global sales with millions of units sold annually, driven by government incentives, infrastructure development, and increasing consumer demand for cleaner transportation.
How many electric vehicles are sold in China each year?
Electric car sales in China reached 8.1 million units in 2023, a 37% increase from the previous year.
- EV sales in China have shown a steady upward trend, from 2011 with 9,860 units sold to 8.1 million units sold in 2023.
- The surge from 5.9 million EVs in 2022 to 8.1 million in 2023—a 37% increase, highlights a rapid acceleration, signalling a promising future for EV adoption.
Learn more about Global EV Sales here.
Electric Car Sales vs Traditional Car Sales in China (2011-2023)
In 2023, EVs accounted for 38% of total car sales in China.
- Steady growth was evident in EV sales as the number of sales increased from just 5,120 units in 2011 to 8.1 million in 2023, reflecting consistent growth over time.
- In 2019, EV market share grew from around 0.09% to 38% by 2023, representing a rapid shift in consumer demand for electric vehicles.
Types of Electric Vehicles Sold in China (2023)
In 2023, the number of zero-emission vehicles in China showed a strong performance across various categories:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) led the market with 5.4 million units sold in 2023, reflecting significant consumer interest in fully electric models.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) followed closely behind with 2.7 million sales, appealing to those seeking a blend of electric and traditional power.
What are the leading models of electric vehicles?
The BYD Song topped the list with approximately 344,780 units sold in China from January to August 2024.
- BYD Qin was second on the list with an estimated 281,082 units sold, followed by Tesla Model Y with 247,166 units sold.
Leading Electric Vehicle Models in 2024
- BYD Qin was the leading electric vehicle model sold in China from January to August 2024 with 344,780 units sold.
Explore the Latest Trends in EV Sales by Brand and Model.
What are the leading brands of electric vehicles?
BYD led the electric vehicle market in China from January to August 2024, with a 31.4% share of the total units sold.
- Tesla followed in second place with a 6.5% share of EV sales, while Li Auto ranked third with 4.7%.
How strong is the demand for electric vehicles today?
- Electric car sales in China reached 8.1 million units sold in 2023, increasing by 9% in market share from the previous year.
- EV sales in 2023 made up 38% of total car sales, up from 29% in 2022, indicating strong market demand.
How many EV charging stations are there across China?
- China had 2.7 million public charging stations by the end of 2023, with a projected 40% increase in 2024 as reported by China Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Promotion Alliance.
Why is China investing in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV)?
- Air Quality: China is adopting ZEVs to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and address health issues associated with urban pollution.
- Climate Goals: To meet its Paris Agreement commitments, China plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060, using zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to lower pollution from transportation.
- Energy Security: Investing in ZEVs helps China reduce reliance on imported oil and boosts energy independence through domestic electricity production.
- Global Leadership: China leads the global EV market, dominating battery production and strengthening its competitive position in ZEV manufacturing.
Projections for EV Sales in China
China aims to have 100% of all new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035.
- Market Share: By 2025, China aims to have 25% of its car fleet electrified, increasing demand for sustainable transport.
- Future Growth: The Chinese EV market is expected to grow at 20.44% CAGR from 2023 to 2028, with the market size projected to rise by USD 421.9 billion.
- Production Goals: By 2030, China could have 80 million EVs, accounting for 20% of its total vehicle fleet.
Government Policies for ZEV Adoption
The government initiative aims to introduce new regulations to target vehicle emissions as part of efforts to increase electric vehicle (EV) uptake.
- Regulatory Framework: China’s NEV mandate, introduced in 2018, requires automakers to produce more NEVs, aiming for 20% by 2025. Emissions standards push manufacturers to boost EV production and earn credits.
- Financial Incentives: Subsidies support market growth, with tax exemptions lowering EV costs for buyers.
- Infrastructure Development: The government prioritises charging infrastructure, with mandatory charging facilities in new communities to improve accessibility.
- Local Incentives: Regional governments offer perks like easier licence plate access in crowded cities.
- Strategic Goals: China aims to manufacture 80 million EVs by 2030 to help reduce pollution and reliance on imported oil.
EV Sales Statistics Resources
- Australia EV Sales Statistics
- Canada EV Sales Statistics
- China EV Sales Statistics
- Germany EV Sales Statistics
- Japan EV Sales Statistics
- UK EV Sales Statistics
EV Sales Statistics By Manufacturer
References
IEA: Global EV Outlook
CO: Goal of China for ZEV
THEICCT: China Government Policies for Adaption of ZEV
