Over 65% of cars sold in China are now EVs

A record 65.2% of the 1.54 million cars sold in mainland China last month were either pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, reports the South China Morning Post citing data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The figure broke the previous record of 65.1% set a month earlier.

“Consumers are convinced of EVs’ advantages now that range anxiety has been largely eased,” said Zhao Zhen, a sales director at Shanghai-based auto dealer Wan Zhuo Auto. “Higher penetration rates can be expected as more drivers shun petrol cars.”

The pivot to electric cars comes as overall vehicle sales in China slump amid an economic slowdown. Last month, petrol car sales dropped 40% year on year, while EV deliveries fell by a more modest 10.1%, according to CPCA data.