High prices, inadequate charging infrastructure and lack of suitable vehicle options deter rural Chinese communities from increasing uptake of electric vehicles. Since most EV manufacturers prefer a direct sales channel, consumers in rural areas may choose an affordable gasoline car over an EV that fits their rural lifestyle because it is out of their price range.

While the central government has launched initiatives like the “Green Cars Going Rural” campaign and extended EV purchase tax breaks, challenges remain in closing the rural EV adoption gap in China.