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China’s high-speed rail linked to boosted EV adoption
- Researchers in China have found that the expansion of high-speed rail has boosted electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the country, reducing range anxiety among residents.
- High-speed rail development in China has coincided with increased EV sales, with regions having faster rail networks experiencing higher rates of EV adoption.
- The study suggests that complementary infrastructure like high-speed rail is more effective in promoting EV adoption than subsidies or mandates alone.
- China leads in EV adoption, with EVs accounting for 45% of new vehicle purchases by the end of 2024, compared to 25% in the EU and 11% in the US.
- China's high-speed rail network spans 45,000 kilometers, connecting 96% of cities with populations over 500,000, facilitating the transition to EVs for local commuting.
- The presence of high-speed rail reduced the need for extended-range EVs in China, allowing automakers to focus on producing smaller, more affordable electric vehicles.
- In the US, efforts to address EV range anxiety include building a comprehensive EV charging network, but challenges persist, such as the reliance on gas-powered cars for longer journeys.
- Lobbying from car manufacturers and fossil fuel companies, as well as a car-centric culture, hinder the expansion of high-speed rail in the US compared to China.
- Despite challenges, progress is being made in the US with projects like the high-speed rail line connecting Orlando to South Florida and plans for a high-speed rail from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
- Increased investment in high-speed rail in the US could potentially lead to higher EV adoption and a shift away from gas-powered vehicles.
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