Chinese car industry ‘not on track for net zero’

That’s the view from a new report by Greenpeace, claiming more ambitious targets are needed

Big Zero Report 2023

The Chinese car sector is unlikely to meet the country’s 2060 net zero target according to a new report from Greenpeace.

Despite a dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market and the downward trajectory of China’s vehicle-based carbon emissions, the group does not believe the drop off will be enough for net zero.

It states that it is currently on track for an 11% decrease in emissions by 2035 but if net zero is to be attainable by 2060, this number needs to be upwards of 20%.

According to other research, China is expected to cater for half the EV market by 2026 but Greenpeace believes zero-emission vehicle sales in the country will need to rocket to 87% by 2035 if it is to stay on track with its goals.

China currently has an aim for EVs to account for 20% of its sales by 2025 – but the group does not see this as fit.

Bao Hang, Project Leader for Greenpeace Asia, said: “The ideal response is for car makers in China to completely phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030.”

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