The poor air quality in Beijing city in 2013 prompted the central and Beijing governments to implement stringent pollution control measures. This included the promotion of green transportation such as electric vehicles. The central government has since implemented a range of policies that has actively publicised EVs, while investing in infrastructural support and incentivising the buyers. The Beijing government has created local policies that have helped meet the central government targets. These measures have led to a rapid uptake of EVs across the city, with co-benefits such as significant reductions in air pollution, fuel consumption and urban heat in Beijing.
The case constitutes a good practice as the measures involved engagement with a variety of both private and governmental stakeholders and are based on a sound scientific analysis. There exists a high level of government support, and concerted action between the central and Beijing governments in terms of a wider variety of complementary legislation. This has encouraged technological innovation and capacity building in the country while ensuring EVs are easily affordable for consumers.
By promoting EVs and reducing pollution, Beijing is encouraging economic and social development in accordance with China’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Thus, China is not only becoming a global leader in EV manufacturing, but also in green innovation and climate change mitigation.