A significant shift is underway in the world’s automotive market. This is also being seen in China. According to the information, more and more consumers are opting for hybrid vehicles instead of pure electric cars. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including range anxiety, cost considerations and the economic challenges faced by many buyers. This shift is revealed by the latest data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). Nearly half of new electric vehicle (EV) sales this year have been hybrids.
Also read: If you are planning to buy a new car then you can get a huge discount, Nitin Gadkari told the whole plan
In July alone, major automakers such as BYD, Volkswagen and Toyota sold 396,000 hybrid cars to customers in mainland China, accounting for 45.1 percent of total EV sales. This represents a substantial increase from the 34.3 percent share recorded in the same month last year. Hybrid vehicles, which can run on battery power for short distances and switch to fuel for longer trips, are gaining popularity among young, first-time car buyers who find them more economical in the context of the economic slowdown.
The economic environment in China has caused consumer spending to become more cautious. Retail sales grew only 3.7 percent in the first half of the year, lagging far behind the national economic growth rate of 5 percent. This cautious spending behavior has contributed to rising demand for hybrids, which are seen as a more cost-effective option than pure EVs. Hybrids, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which use a small internal combustion engine to extend range, are about 10 percent cheaper than fully electric cars, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Also read: BMW launches its most expensive scooter ever, know what is its price?
Government incentives are also playing a role in this shift. As part of Beijing’s broader push towards clean energy and its long-term net-zero goals, hybrid vehicles benefit from tax breaks and subsidies to replace petrol-powered cars. The reliability of hybrids in challenging conditions such as winter weather has further increased their appeal. Earlier this year, videos of electric cars stuck in a snowstorm in Hubei province went viral, reinforcing concerns about the reliability of fully electric vehicles for long-distance travel.
