THE Lu Junfega taxi driver with private lease, is at a charging station on the outskirts of Gwangzhuin southern China, when it is honestly declared:
“I drive electric car, because I’m poor“

A few meters further, the Sun Jinguo Agree:
“The cost for gasoline is prohibitive. Driving electric saving money“, He says, relying on the white of Beijing U7.

And adds: ‘Is doing good in the environment as well“

It’s a conversation that climate activists dream of listening. In many countries, electric vehicles are considered a luxury. But in Chinawhere almost half the cars sold last year were electricallyit’s just everyday life.

From bicycle to world leader

As stated in a post BbcSince the beginning of the 21st century, China had already drawn a strategic plan to dominate the technologies of the future. By his country bicyclebecame a world leader in EVS.

“China is 10 years ahead and 10 times better than any other country in electric“, Says the analyst Michael Dan.

Chinese Byd overcame this year Tesla In sales, establishing China as the world’s top EV market. With her, dozens of start-up companies offer cheap EV for the general public-and are now turning to overseas markets.

The great push started by Yuan gangGerman -educated engineer and minister of science in 2007. Realizing that the roads of Chinese cities were flooded with foreign brands, suggested a radical change: electricity instead of gasoline.

The idea was simple: China could not compete with the US, Japan or Germany in gasoline, but could take a lead in a new field, investing in the future.

The state has channeled huge resources – about $ 231 billion from 2009 to 2023 – granting subsidies to all chain links: from consumers and manufacturers to power providers and battery suppliers.

By the mobile battery … in the car

Byd started making batteries for smartphones. Today he is a global leader in EVs. Catl, founded in 2011, produces 1/3 of all EV batteries worldwide.

State support has enabled China to dominate not only cars, but also in critical supply chains, such as the production of batteries and the creation of the world’s largest charging network.

“If you want to make a battery for EV today, the road passes through China“, Says Dan.

Many analysts call it “state capitalism” – Western countries call it unfair competition. However, executives of Chinese companies insist that there is no privileged treatment – everyone has equal opportunities.

Xpeng, one of the rising market companies, is already one of the top 10 EV manufacturers in the world. In its central store in Guangzhou, new employees enjoy Flat White Coffee, while influencers sell cars in Livestream.

“The pressure to constantly give more at lower costs is huge“, Says its president, Brian.

Xpeng’s new Mona Max model is for sale about $ 20,000, offering autonomous driving, voice control, Lie-Flat beds, and streaming capabilities. For new consumers in China, these are basic standard.

Electrically for the… poor

The government continues to provide subsidies for EV purchase, free license plates (otherwise costing the vehicle itself), and low charge costs.

Lou paid 200 yuan for 400 km with gasoline – now, it costs him a quarter.

“The rich drive gasoline – they have the means. I drive ev because it has reason for me“, He says.

OR DazeEV driver in Shanghai, changes her car battery to special NIO automatic stations – within three minutes, without even charging.

The “Chinese miracle” raises concern in the US, Canada and the EU, which now impose high duties on Chinese EVs. Britain, however, does not intend to follow them, making the attractive market for Chinese companies such as Xpeng and BYD.

The transition to electricity is critical to tackling the climate crisis, the UN says – and no country is better prepared to support it from China.

The future is Chinese – and electric

“China envisions a future where it manufactures almost all cars in the world“, Notes Dan. “The world’s traditional automakers are worried – Chinese feel confident“

Of course, there are no reservations. Former MI6 British Secret Service chief Richard Durlav described the Chinese EV “wheels”, warning of potential risks of cyber security. Byd responded by rejecting concerns, assuring data security.

For him Sun JinguoBut the conclusion is simple. “People should thank China for bringing this technology. I do it!“He says laughing.