China continues to dominate the global electric vehicle (EV) market, which was up over 60% in the first half of 2022.
China rebounded as the largest and fastest growing EV market after a brief pandemic-driven pause in 2020, thanks to accelerated car production backed by government tax benefits.
Domestic EV makers bagging the biggest share of the global and Chinese market have emboldened the government’s target for domestic EV sales to 40% by 2030.
While tax benefit abatement may impact sales, government subsidies to China’s EV makers and investor confidence will likely help them maintain their dominant share of the global EV market.
Demand for EVs has continued to grow in 2022, with several new EV models already launched this year. Rising fuel prices have further boosted demand and government incentives help buyers.
Despite market constraints due to the pandemic and growing economic uncertainty, the growth in the EV market shows how rapidly a new technology can become mainstream. While not all EVs run on renewable electricity, the transition to electrification will play a significant role in many countries net zero plans.
China EV market continues to surge ahead
China’s EV sales appear to have shrugged off lockdown and supply chain issues, as car makers accelerate production to take advantage of the government’s tax benefits.
The latest analysis from research group Canalys projects 2022 sales to exceed 5 million units despite a 9-12 month reported delay for battery EVs (BEV), which have outpaced the sale of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) in 2022.
China’s overall automotive sales have also eclipsed that of America and Europe, even though penetration of EV’s is highest in the latter market, led by the Nordics. Chinese EV maker BYD (SZ: 002594) was the market leader, although Tesla dominated the BEV segment.
Raised EV sales goals reflect confidence in domestic market
With 26% of new cars sold in the first half of 2022 in mainland China being EVs, the country has surpassed the ‘Made in China 2025’ target of 20% EV sales, leading the government to increase its mandate to 40% by 2030.
Tax benefits serve not only to spur vehicle sales, but also accelerate production, which is also backed by government subsidies.
Three Chinese EV makers – BYD, SAIC Motor (SS:600104) and Geely (HK:0175) were among the top five in the world, garnering 30% of the global market in the first half of 2021.
Subsidies continue power EV makers as the west watches
Public subsidies for EVs will likely continue to propel domestic car makers for the foreseeable future, or until pressures on local government finances dictate otherwise.
Without official government data on subsidies, and based on disclosures by listed companies SAIC Motor received the largest amount in subsidies in 2021, equal to $598 million, and together with BYD, Great Wall (SS:601633) and Jianghuai Automobile (SS:600418), were among the top 10 subsidy recipients.
Government support of the EV industry also extends to developing battery technology, with BYD and, Contemporary Amperex Technology (SZ:300750), the world’s largest battery maker, receiving related subsidies.
Chinese battery companies also tapped global investors for more than $10 billion, providing a boost to China’s plans to become the global leader in advanced technologies.
China continues to pursue its ambitions to become the dominant technology power in the world, and has even accelerated its efforts. A weakening in regional fiscal conditions could dampen progress, which could be offset by a vast current account surplus and interest from global investors seeking growth amid signs of recession elsewhere.
