Impacts of COVID-19 on the electric vehicle industry: Evidence from China. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wen, W.; Yang, S.; Zhou, P.; Gao, S.Z.
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 144(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: COVID-19 impacts -- Electric vehicle -- Market analysis -- Supply chain -- Policy trend -- Future outlook; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: Electric vehicle development is critical to achieve the sustainable goals, while the hit of COVID-19 strikes the market and brings challenges to the whole industry. China, among one of the earliest regions affected by COVID-19 and takes a great part in the global electric vehicle market, is attracting growing attention on its post-pandemic trends in the electric vehicle industry. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 impacts on China's electric vehicle industry from both the demand side and the supply side. Both challenges and opportunities for China's electric vehicle development are revealed with emerging trend analysis. It is found that the COVID-19 outbreak has reduced electric vehicle sales in the short-term, but may also stimulate future electric vehicle demand especially for large electric cars with better performance. Meanwhile, travel restrictions caused by COVID-19 have interrupted electric vehicle material supplies that relying on imports, accelerating domestic substitute exploitation and inventory improvement for critical parts. Additionally, massive lockdowns for controlling COVID-19 have disrupted productions and operations, which tends to expel small brands out of the competitive market, concentrating China's electric vehicle industry to the leading brands. Finally, the social distancing trend after pandemic is bringing challenges to traditional EV distribution channels with dealers, pushing automakers to develop innovative online selling channels. These impacts are likely to lead to a reformation of China's electric vehicle industry towards a more advanced and reliable future. Highlights: Impacts of COVID-19 on China's EV market and supply chain are analyzed. COVID-19 outbreak may shift consumer demand to large EVs with better performance. Supply interruption by travel restrictions may promote domestic R&D and reserves. Suspension caused by lockdown may expel SMEs and concentrate China's EV industry. Post-pandemic social distancing may lead to innovative online EV selling models.