Electric car news
The global automotive industry is going through a period of unprecedented transformation. China, once considered a secondary player, has transformed itself into the undisputed leader of the electric vehicles. This meteoric rise deserves in-depth analysis to understand the issues and consequences of this major upheaval.
The rapid rise of the Chinese electricity market
In 2020, China posted a modest penetration rate of 5.4% for electric vehicles, barely higher than the global average of 4.6%. Today, the country is shattering its own objectives with spectacular progress. The initial objective of 50% new energy vehicles by 2035 will be achieved a decade in advance, demonstrating the formidable effectiveness of the Chinese strategy.
The transformation of the Chinese automobile market is based on several strategic pillars:
- An industrial policy focused on controlling mineral supply chains
- Of the massive investments in research and development
- Strong government support for national manufacturers
- Strict and progressive environmental regulations
The winning strategy of Chinese manufacturers
Chinese manufacturers were able to capitalize on the health crisis of 2020 to accelerate their development. Faced with the collapse in sales of thermal vehicles, they have redoubled their efforts in electric vehicles rather than curbing their ambitions. This responsiveness allowed them to dethrone Japan as the world's leading automobile exporter in 2024.
The success of Chinese brands is based on a pragmatic approach to the market:
| Key factors | Market impact |
|---|---|
| Technological innovation | Average range greater than 500 km |
| Value for money | Lower prices of 20 to 30% to competitors |
| Industrial ecosystem | Complete control of the value chain |
The West faces its contradictions
While China is advancing at full speed, Western countries are struggling to define a coherent strategy. The United States, despiteInflation Reduction Act and his hundreds of billions of dollars of investmentsremain prisoners of their political divisions. Europe is multiplying initiatives without managing to match Chinese dynamism.
-This situation generates a worrying technological delay, particularly in the field of new generation batteries where China now has a considerable lead. Western manufacturers find themselves forced to accelerate their transition, otherwise they will lose the electric battle forever.
The domino effect of the electric transition
The Norwegian experience, with more than 90% market share for electric from 2021, demonstrates the potential speed of the transition. Once critical mass is reached, electric vehicle adoption naturally accelerates, creating an irresistible ripple effect.
The question is no longer whether the electric transition will take place, but rather who will emerge victorious. Players who have been able to anticipate and invest massively in this technology will have a decisive advantage in a global market in full restructuring.
Written by François Zhang-Ming
I have always shown a keen interest in science and technology from a very young age. I have a dual culture, Chinese through my mother and French through my father but also through my studies, which allows me to be very familiar with the technological innovations of the Far East.
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