The Rise of Electric Cars and Charging Infrastructure in China Compared to India

In India, there are significantly fewer electric cars compared to the numerous charging points available in the neighboring country, China. As a result, there are now more electric cars being sold in China than those powered by petrol, diesel, or CNG. According to the latest figures released by the Passenger Car Market Information Joint Branch of the China Automobile Dealers Association, the domestic retail penetration rate for new energy passenger vehicles, i.e., electric cars, reached 51.1 percent in July.

In the past month, retail sales of traditional fuel passenger cars, i.e., IC engine cars, in China stood at 840,000 units, while the retail sales of new energy passenger cars reached 878,000 units. These figures mark a historic achievement in China’s efforts to become pollution-free. ​Therefore, it can be said that while other countries struggle to adopt electric vehicles, the majority of people in China are now inclined to purchase electric cars.​

The impressive sales of electric cars represent a clear depiction of the changes and improvements in China’s automobile industry. It also serves as a significant milestone in the green transformation of the global automobile industry. In September 2020, the total production of new energy vehicles in China reached 5 million units. This figure surpassed 10 million vehicles in February 2022 and reached 20 million vehicles by July 2023.

By the end of June 2024, the cumulative production and sales of domestic new energy vehicles in China are expected to exceed 30 million units. As of the end of June this year, the total number of charging points across the country had reached 10.244 million units, reflecting a 54 percent increase on a yearly basis. This figure guarantees the charging needs of 24 million new energy vehicles and provides greater convenience for pure electric travel.