Chongqing - In the international coverage of China's electric vehicles (EVs), the focal point of interest remains the market and sales performance, according to the past 30 days' analyzed reports from Meltwater's data retrieval.

The reports show from July 17 to August 17, keywords appeared in the overseas coverage, and social media outlets involved Chinese electric vehicle companies like "BYD," "SAIC," "NIO," "Geely," and battery suppliers like "CATL."

Results revealed 1,494 cases of "market," 900 cases of "share," and 777 cases of "sale." Among these, "market" featured prominently with 1,494 occurrences, constituting approximately a tenth of the total reports and ranking as the top keyword.

▲The smart factory of Changan Auto in Chongqing. (Photo/Changan)

Exclusively produce electric vehicles by 2030

The global EV market is experiencing exponential expansion, propelled mainly by the Chinese market, which contributes over 60% of the world's share. China has secured its position as the world's largest electric vehicle market for eight consecutive years.

According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, from 2020 to 2022, China's EV sales surged from 1.36 million units to 6.88 million units. By contrast, Europe sold around 2.7 million electric vehicles in 2022; the figure for the United States was about 800,000.

Experiencing the era of internal combustion engines, Chinese automotive companies perceive electric vehicles as an opportunity for a significant leap forward, which they allocate substantial resources to research and development at a pace surpassing many international counterparts.

In 2022, China's electric vehicle leader BYD became the first global automaker to declare the discontinuation of internal combustion engine vehicles. Other Chinese automakers have followed suit, with most planning exclusively producing electric vehicles by 2030.

For instance, Changan Automobile, based in Chongqing, a traditional hub for the automotive industry, announced the cessation of fuel vehicle sales by 2025.

▲Deepal's SL03 on Chongqing International Auto Exhibition 2023. (Photo/Changan)

Chongqing, housing several major automakers such as Changan, Sokon, SAIC Hongyan, and Great Wall, boasts a comprehensive automotive supply chain. In September 2022, the Chongqing municipal government unveiled plans to create a world-class new energy and intelligent-connected vehicle industry cluster, providing robust support for the automotive ecosystem.

Against the city's policy backdrop, Changan has established or partnered with entities like Changan New Energy (now renamed Deepal) and Avatr. Recent news indicates that Changan is also collaborating with Ford on a joint venture focused on EVs.

"As the world's largest new energy vehicle market, China is progressing from industrialization and marketization toward high-quality development at scale and on a global scale," remarked the representative of Changan's overseas branding division.

Emerging markets in South Asia and Southeast Asia

The rapid growth in the electric vehicle sector extends beyond major markets like China, Europe, and the United States, with its continuous expansion into emerging markets in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

In 2022, electric vehicle sales in India, Thailand, and Indonesia were more than doubled compared to 2021, reaching 80,000 units, with substantial growth rates. For Chinese automakers, proximity makes Southeast Asia a prime market of interest.

For example, BYD and Wuling Motors have planned factories in Indonesia. The development of EVs is part of the country's strategy, with an aim to achieve an electric vehicle output of one million units by 2035. This will be bolstered by Indonesia's 52% share of global nickel reserves, a crucial resource for making power batteries.

▲Changan met with Saudi partners in June of this year. (Photo/Changan)

Changan, meanwhile, has been focusing its overseas expansion efforts on the Middle East. The company has conducted localized extreme heat testing for several years to adapt products to local climates and road conditions.

2022 Changan sold 35,000 vehicles in Saudi Arabia, marking a 22% year-on-year increase. The company said that its export of EVs to the overseas market is still in its early stages but has already been deployed.

"Many countries along the Belt and Road have not fully matured in the field of EVs, which means that Chinese enterprises can establish a first-mover advantage in these markets and lead in the market," said a representative of Changan.

However, when it comes to the European market, they admitted that Changan is still a newcomer and not yet in direct competition with local carmakers.