Picture this. Strolling along one of the busiest streets in a Chinese city, with no smoke, no diesel fumes and no lingering scent of petrol. Just the gentle hum of an electric vehicle (EV) gliding past.

Roads with clean air and minimal noise. Welcome to China, a true paradise for EVs.

Chances are, you'll see more cars without tailpipes than you can count.

Once considered a luxury confined to urban centres, EVs have now captured everyday life across China's vast and diverse landscape. Thanks to strong government backing and an ambitious push for nationwide electrification, EVs are no longer just a trend; they are a lifestyle.

Clean Air, Quieter Streets

When I arrived in Beijing for the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) 2025 Programme, the shift was immediately evident.

During my ride from Beijing Capital International Airport to the Jianguomenwai Diplomatic Residence Compound in Chaoyang District, my eyes were drawn to the car number plates, blue for fuel and hybrid cars while green for electric ones.

At least six out of every ten cars bore green plates. EVs seemed to dominate the roads.

While some Malaysians, including myself, are still weighing the pros and cons of owning an EV, given the added costs for charging infrastructure and electricity consumption, China has proven that the transition is worth it.

The long-term environmental and economic benefits are undeniable.

In China, even two-wheelers and buses have gone green, while the taxis are all running on green energy.

One evening, craving some spicy comfort food, I used the Amap app to navigate my way to an Indian restaurant on Ritan Upper Street.

As I walked, phone in hand and music playing softly through my earphones, I was caught off guard by a motorbike approaching silently from behind. There was no engine roar or rumbling exhaust, just a quiet motorcyclist trying to get my attention in Mandarin.

I couldn’t understand the words, but the message was clear: make way.

Since then, I’ve stopped using earphones while walking in Beijing. It’s a completely different experience from Malaysia, where you can always hear a vehicle before you see it.

In China, battery-powered scooters and motorbikes are common, and the infrastructure to support them is impressive.

In many hutongs (narrow alleyways in Beijing), self-service battery swap kiosks are placed at every 800 metres. Riders can replace depleted batteries in minutes, just like collecting a parcel from a delivery locker.

Even public buses in Beijing are predominantly electric.

More Charging Stations than Petrol Stations

While it’s common in many countries to see petrol stations at every few kilometres, in China, they’re becoming a rare sight.

Instead, charging stations are far more frequent, a clear sign of the country’s shift in energy priorities.

The Chinese government has implemented targeted initiatives to accelerate EV adoption, especially in rural areas. These include tax incentives and extended subsidies for the purchase of new energy vehicles (NEVs) until the end of 2027.

According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, there were just 120,000 NEVs on the roads in 2014. By the end of June 2022, that number had surged past 10 million. It doubled again by the end of 2023 and exceeded 30 million in 2024, accounting for more than half of the world’s total NEVs.

Rural Electrification: EVs Beyond the Cities

Last week, our China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) 2025 cohort visited Xinzhuang Village in Beijing’s Changping District.

To my surprise, even this village had dedicated EV charging stations for both cars and motorcycles.

One local resident shared that similar infrastructure has already been built in regions as remote as Yunnan Province and Inner Mongolia, extending beyond urban centres to the farthest rural outskirts.

In Malls, EVs Steal the Spotlight

In Beijing’s shopping malls, EVs are not just on display, they are on full parade.

Local automakers such as BYD, XPeng, Zeekr, Li Auto, Geely and Deepal are proudly showcasing their latest models.

What stood out most was the crowd’s interest. Shoppers were more drawn to EV showrooms than most retail outlets.

EVs in China start as low as ¥130,000 (about RM85,000), making them an accessible option for many.

In Malaysia, EV adoption is beginning to gain momentum.

Local manufacturers such as Proton and Perodua are developing more affordable models to compete with global players like BYD and Tesla.

Chinese EV brands, renowned for their rapid innovation in battery technology, futuristic designs and competitive pricing, are quickly capturing the attention of Malaysian consumers.

A Greener Future for Malaysia?

As we move towards a more sustainable future, I hope Malaysia can position itself as a frontrunner in EV innovation with increased government incentives and expanded infrastructure, not just in major cities but across the rural vicinity as well.

After all, if China can transform its urban and rural landscapes into an EV haven, there is no reason Malaysia cannot follow the same road to sustainability.

-- BERNAMA

Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.