The Electric Vehicle Industry in China: Industry Analysis

This case exams the current state of the electric vehicle industry in China by analyzing various factors affecting this sector, including government policy, core technology, infrastructure and consumer acceptance. We expect the EV market to show considerable growth in the coming decade, with the market expanding to up to RMB 1 trillion (US$147 billion) by 2020. That growth will depend, automakers and industry experts say, on adequate government support to help compensate for the higher prices for electric vehicles. Given China’s need to reduce its dependence on oil imports, the Chinese government has decided to give subsidies to EV buyers in five trial cities and introduce other favorable policies, which has motivated many domestic carmakers to step up their efforts in commercializing EV cars. But the EV sector in China still faces many obstacles, such as an inadequate EV car charging infrastructure and the immaturity of component suppliers.