Joseph Isangura
China has made history by becoming the first country to produce 10 million new-energy vehicles (NEVs) within a single year, achieving this milestone as of Thursday, according to a report by CCTV News.
This achievement surpasses the full-year production of 9.59 million NEVs in 2023, setting a new global benchmark.
The surge in NEV output marks a significant leap in China’s electric vehicle industry, which began tracking NEV sales and production in 2013, with just 18,000 units produced in that year. By 2018, China’s NEV production reached 1 million, and in 2022 it crossed 5 million. With over a month remaining in 2024, experts predict that China’s NEV output will exceed 12 million units by year-end.
The National Development and Reform Commission has hailed the NEV sector as China’s “most competitive strategic emerging industry” and a major driver of the country’s economic growth. This development has also positioned China as a leader in the global green transition, as it significantly contributes to reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
China’s rapid progress in the NEV market is attributed to its comprehensive industrial chain, strong government policies to combat climate change, and innovation-driven growth. Additionally, the country’s open stance on international cooperation has allowed foreign companies and NEV makers to invest in China, further boosting the industry.
The global recognition of China’s success in the NEV sector has been widespread. The International Energy Agency (IEA) acknowledged China’s crucial role in the rise of electric mobility, noting that the country is driving the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
One of the highlights of China’s NEV boom is Shenzhen, a city in South China with the highest NEV penetration rate in the country. The city’s streets have become exceptionally quiet due to the mass adoption of electric vehicles. This shift is not just a reflection of China’s domestic policy success but also indicates the broader global trend of increased NEV adoption.
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As China continues to set records, it has also become a dominant exporter of NEVs. In the first ten months of 2024, China exported over 1 million NEVs, a 6.3% increase compared to the previous year, further solidifying its role as a global leader in the electric vehicle market.
Despite these impressive achievements, analysts call for a collective global effort to address climate challenges. China has repeatedly urged developed countries to create favorable conditions for international green cooperation and warned that protectionism and unilateralism could undermine global progress in the energy transition.
