Governance Challenges in Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Case Study of China

Abstract

The paper discusses the governance challenges of electric vehicle adoption in China, now a global leader in EV promotion, as part of its strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Three major governance challenges point out the use of non-renewable energy sources, an insufficient number of charging infrastructures, and environmental impact due to battery production. While EVs can have a positive impact on the reduction of emissions in the transportation sectors, much is left in the balance due to a high proportion of coal-based electricity in China’s energy mix and environmental costs from producing and disposing of batteries. The analysis, therefore, puts forward some remedies for these challenges: better cross-sectoral policy integration between the energy and transport sectors, infrastructure development through public-private partnerships, and international cooperation on regulating battery supply chains. It concludes that EVs require a holistic approach that combines energy policy, infrastructure development, and global supply chain governance for maximum environmental benefit. The big picture of sustainable transport, such findings have offered insights and recommendations for other countries willing to overcome similar governance challenges in their efforts and processes of transitioning towards electric mobility.