China Electric Vehicles Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

China Electric Vehicles Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The Chinese electric vehicles market accounted for USD 98 billion in 2019, and it is anticipated to register a CAGR of 31% during the forecast period (2021 - 2026).

Recent COVID-19 has disrupted the market growth due to lockdowns and reduced income of the population in China. The market had only registered sales of 100,000 battery electric vehicles and 247,000 in 2020 when compared to 972,000 battery electric vehicles and 232,000 sales in 2019.

With the growing environmental concerns and rise in exhaust emissions, the country has been focusing on and working toward the development of sustainable transportation. This, in turn, has resulted in the electrification of its transport sector.

During the forecast period, the country may also witness growth in the adoption of electric buses, as more than 30 Chinese cities have made plans to achieve 100% electrified public transit by 2020, including Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Dongguan, Foshan, and Zhongshan in the Pearl River Delta, along with Nanjing, Hangzhou, Shaanxi, and Shandong.

Individual EV consumption increased to nearly 70% in 2020 from 20% two years ago. EV sales accounted for about 60% in cities without a limit on vehicle increment, which showed that there is still a large room for increasing electric vehicle sales in China during the forecast period.

Key Market TrendsIncreasing Adoption of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, Due to Government Norms

With rapid urbanization and an increase in vehicle sales, China is determined to reduce exhaust emissions from vehicles. Meanwhile, the country also intends to reduce its dependence on oil imports, driving the demand for and sales of electric vehicles in the country.

Additionally, some major cities and provinces are imposing more stringent restrictions. For instance, Beijing only issues 10,000 permits for the registration of combustion-engine vehicles per month to encourage its inhabitants to switch to electric vehicles.

Also, the Government of China had lifted taxes or has given a considerable amount of tax exemption on the purchase of EVs. These initiatives by the government have attracted a lot of customers to purchase EVs in this country. For instance,

• In April 2020, the China government introduced a 10% service tax waiver for electric vehicles to boost the demand in the market.

Currently, vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda have been dominating the hybrid vehicle segment in China, with their models such as Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid.

• In the first three quarters of 2019, Corolla Hybrid sold 38,540 units in China, which accounted for a nearly 20% increase in total hybrid deliveries during the period.

Such measures are aiding China to formulate a resolute and optimistic prospect for the development of electric vehicles in the country, which is expected to drive the market.

Passenger Cars Segment Experienced the Highest Market Share

Currently, the passenger cars segment is experiencing more demand than commercial vehicles, and it is projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the increasing population, which is catering to the growth in EVs and stringent government emission norms. For instance, the Chinese government is implementing China 6 norms for pollution control in the region, which are stricter than previous China 5 norms and are based on EURO 6 norms, from July 2020, which results in supporting the demand for micro-hybrid vehicles in this region.

The battery-electric vehicles market in China has been heavily fueled by the presence of several competitors, backed up by the generous support of the government. China extended the incentives related to the purchase of new energy vehicles (NEVs) till 2022.

Some non-automotive companies, like Alibaba, are also entering the rapidly growing EV market in the country. For instance, in January 2021, Alibaba Group introduced two electric models in the country, under the IM label (Intelligence in Motion), in partnership with SAIC Motor. Battery cells for these vehicles are supplied by CATL.

Of the two models launched, one is an electric sedan, and the other is an electric SUV. The sedan is expected to be launched first, with the presale starting at the Auto China 2021 in April, and the SUV may hit the market in 2022. The company has informed that the vehicles may be offered with a 93 kWh battery, while a 115 kWh battery will be available as an option. Hence, the sedan may provide a range of up to 874 km in the NEDC cycle.

In December 2020, Hyundai Motor Group announced its plans to introduce an only-electric platform in 2021, using its own battery technology to cut production time and cost. In September 2020, Tesla Inc. announced that it was working on reducing the cost of its EV batteries and increasing production. It aims to reduce the price of its car to USD 25,000.

With most of the electric vehicles and components being manufactured locally and with the government's key national strategies and plans, it is expected that the country’s market will have a high growth rate during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The Chinese electric vehicles market is dominated by a few players such as BAIC Motors, SAIC Motors, Honda Motor Company, Geely Motors, and BYD Co. BYD is the leading player in the Chinese electric vehicles market, owing to the increasing orders for its passenger cars and electric buses from the domestic and international markets. SAIC is expected to be the second-largest company, followed by Geely Motors and BAIC Motors. Companies are investing heavily in research and development for the innovation of advanced products and technologies.

• In February 2020, Honda Motor Company, Ltd. announced to begin its sales of all-new Honda Fit Hybrid vehicles. It is equipped with Honda’s 2-motor hybrid system, which drives the vehicle with an electric motor, which results in better fuel efficiency and smooth drive.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

Companies Mentioned

BAIC Motors
Honda Motor Company
Geely Motors
SAIC Motors
BYD Co.
Chery Motors
Jiangling Motors Corporation
JAC Motors
Changan Automobile
Great Wall Motors

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