China Sets 2030 Climate Targets and Accelerates Electric Vehicle Expansion

China has unveiled a new climate roadmap that aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 17% from 2025 levels and raise the share of non‑fossil energy in total consumption to 25% by 2030. The plan calls for wind and solar installed capacity to exceed 2.8 billion kilowatts, nuclear capacity to reach 110 million kilowatts, and the construction of ultra‑high‑voltage transmission lines and virtual power plants.

The transport sector is a core focus: the share of new‑energy vehicles (including BEVs, plug‑in hybrids and EREVs) in the national car fleet must rise to 30% by 2030, requiring 50‑80 million additional NEVs over the next five years. Heavy‑duty vehicles, public‑sector fleets and equipment used in construction, mining, ports and airports are also targeted for electrification, with plans for extensive charging and battery‑swap networks and “zero‑emission road corridors” on major highways.

Beyond transport, the strategy sets goals for zero‑emission industrial parks and factories, stricter energy‑saving standards for steel, aluminium, cement and petrochemical sectors, and the creation of a national green‑transition fund to draw private capital into carbon‑neutral projects.