When we think of electric vehicles (EVs), names like Tesla often dominate the conversation. But in recent years, China has emerged as the true powerhouse of the EV revolution, thanks to bold government policy, strategic investment, and companies like BYD that are redefining what’s possible. In a recent interview, engineers John Samuel and Pete James offered a compelling look at how China’s approach is reshaping the global automotive landscape.
From Zero to Global Leader
China’s rise in the EV sector didn’t happen by accident. “The Chinese government came in force in 2012,” said John Samuel. “They invested about $6 billion in charge stations and EV buyer incentives. It was a chicken and egg thing. They could see this was going to be a big industry, but it wouldn’t work unless you had somewhere to charge them and help to reduce capital cost to consumer.”
This foresight led to the rapid deployment of high-tech charging infrastructure. “In the Shanghai area alone, they put in about 300 rapid charge stations,” Samuel noted. “And they were going up to 250 kilowatts peak, which was quite a lot in those days.”
This level of state-backed investment created the conditions for domestic manufacturers to thrive, and none more so than mobile phone battery maker BYD with early backing from Warren Buffett.
The BYD Phenomenon
“BYD is way ahead of Tesla now in terms of volume,” Samuel said. “They make them 30% cheaper in Shanghai than they do in Coventry.”
What sets BYD apart isn’t just cost, it’s vertical integration. “You open up a BYD power converter and it’s got BYD electronics in it, with BYD transistors,” said Pete James. “Even my Dell laptop has a BYD battery.”
This self-reliance gives BYD a significant edge over Western automakers, who often depend on third-party suppliers for key components. “The likes of GM, BMW, VW—they’re having to go to Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers,” James explained. “BYD makes everything in-house.”
Hybrids, Flexibility, and Market Reach
Another reason for BYD’s success is its strategic product mix. “They’ve gone for hybrids and full battery vehicles,” Samuel said. “There are many areas where there aren’t proper charging networks yet, and that’s where the hybrids go.”
This flexibility has allowed BYD to penetrate markets that are still developing their EV infrastructure. “Big cities are OK with networks,” Samuel added, “but BYD’s approach gives them a much broader spread of market share.”
A Political Flashpoint
As BYD’s global footprint expands, it’s also becoming a geopolitical issue. “America doesn’t want to be flooded with low-cost BYD vehicles,” Samuel said. “So these tariffs have made the difference.”
Ironically, this has opened the door for BYD in the UK. “You’ll see them around a lot now,” he noted. “I’ve seen lots of BYD garages pop up here, there, and everywhere.”
James echoed the sentiment: “The vehicles they’ve come up with are really quite exceptional.”
A Historical Perspective: From Bicycles to Billion-Dollar Industry
China’s EV dominance has deep roots. “Electric bikes really caught on in 2008,” Samuel said. “There were 21 million a year being built and they still are.”
This early adoption of electric mobility laid the groundwork for a broader cultural and industrial shift. “It’s a great concept,” Samuel added. “It’s a hybrid, people power plus battery, and it all works very well.”
He also credited British expertise for helping to kickstart China’s automotive ambitions. “Professor Tony Stevens went out to China at the request of the Chinese Government in 1980, right at the end of the Cultural Revolution,” Samuel said. “They hadn’t got an auto industry at all. He introduced some vehicles and helped them get started.” It’s a fascinating story.
Leapfrogging the Internal Combustion Engine
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of China’s EV strategy is how it has allowed the country to bypass traditional automotive development. “They’ve leapfrogged the internal combustion engine industry,” Samuel said. “They’ve gone into almost 50% electric by now, which is tremendous.”
This shift is not just about cars, it’s about climate. “By 2050, there’s going to be 3 billion cars on the road,” Samuel warned. “We’ve got to have at least 50% low-emission or clean-fuel vehicles. There’s a huge challenge.”
The Global Implications
China’s success poses a serious challenge to Western automakers. “It’s going to be really difficult for Europe and the US to compete without some big investments,” James said.
He also pointed to the broader supply chain implications. “All the microprocessors are built in China now,” he noted. “They’ve really accelerated that massively over the last 15 to 20 years.”
Conclusion: Lessons from the East
China’s EV revolution is a masterclass in coordinated industrial policy, technological innovation, and market foresight. From state-backed infrastructure to vertically integrated manufacturing, the country has built an ecosystem that’s hard to match.
As Samuel put it, “They’re doing a great job. The general direction of travel is in the right way, and on a grand scale”
For countries like the UK, the challenge is clear: adapt, invest, and innovate, or risk being left behind.
Further Reading: Dive Deeper into China’s EV Journey
If you found this interview compelling, you’ll want to explore more in Electric Vehicles: Renewable energy for the road, the new book by engineers John Samuel and Pete James. Drawing on decades of experience and first-hand insights, the book offers a deeper dive into the policies, technologies, and companies driving China’s electric vehicle boom.
From the rise of BYD to the geopolitical ripple effects of China’s EV dominance, John and Pete unpack the forces shaping the future of mobility. Whether you're an industry professional, policymaker, or curious reader, this book provides a clear-eyed look at how China is redefining the global automotive landscape.
Electric Vehicles: Renewable energy for the road available now in print and digital formats at the IET Bookshop: https://shop.theiet.org/electric-vehicle-technologies