Are Chinese consumers really ready to lead the EV revolution?

The Chinese BYD F3E plug-in

Not according to early actions or consumer studies

According to most major studies on the subject, China is primed to become the leader in both electric vehicle sales and production. However, so far, despite government incentives, Chinese hybrid and electric car sales have been extremely sluggish.

For now, much of this EV apathy is probably based upon limited supplies. Nevertheless, according to a recent Chinese study, Chinese consumers are most concerned with cost-effectiveness, not the environment, when it comes to auto purchases.

According to The Independent, the “new report has suggested that Chinese consumers prioritize saving money over saving the environment when it comes to electric vehicles – in much the same way as their US counterparts.”

Nevertheless, even if the Chinese have the same attitudes towards electric cars as Americans, they have more citizens and an emerging car market that will soon dwarf the US. Consequently, even if the same percentage of Chinese buy EVs as Americans in coming years, China would still lead.