One of the biggest challenges to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a destination. A survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that about half of U.S. drivers cited this fear as a major reason for not purchasing an EV. However, new research from China suggests that the solution to alleviating these concerns may lie in trains rather than cars.
A study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania examined China’s efforts to promote EV adoption over the past decade and found a correlation between the expansion of high-speed rail and increased EV sales. Regions with well-developed and accessible rail networks experienced the highest growth in EV adoption, with high-speed rail contributing to a 91 percent increase in EV sales volume on average. Unlike in the U.S., where range anxiety is a significant issue, Chinese residents mainly use EVs for local commuting rather than long-distance travel. The researchers suggest that this approach of complementary infrastructure, as outlined in a recent working paper from the Penn Institute for Economic Research, is more effective than relying solely on EV subsidies or mandates.
Where trains go, EVs follow
China has been a leader in EV adoption, with EVs accounting for 45 percent of new vehicle purchases in the country by the end of 2024. This is significantly higher than the rates in the European Union and the U.S. While the Chinese government has incentivized EV adoption through subsidies and other measures, similar efforts have been made in other countries. For example, Tesla has received substantial government funding in the U.S. over the past two decades, and countries like Norway and Britain are planning to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles.
Analysis of vehicle registration data from 328 Chinese cities between 2010 and 2023 revealed a consistent pattern: areas with newer high-speed rail lines saw increased EV adoption. China boasts the world’s largest high-speed rail network, covering 45,000 kilometers and connecting 96 percent of cities with populations over 500,000. This extensive rail system has enabled Chinese residents to transition to EVs without concerns about long journeys, leading to the production of smaller and more affordable EVs compared to other markets.
Lead researcher Hanming Fang emphasized the role of high-speed rail in reducing EV range anxiety, stating, “If there are other ways to travel long distance—say you take one hour to go by high-speed rail—then you don’t worry about using your electric vehicle for that kind of travel.” While the synergy between EVs and high-speed rail in China may have been serendipitous, it offers valuable insights for other countries looking to promote EV adoption.
America’s troubled relationship with trains
Efforts to expand rail infrastructure in the U.S. have faced challenges from lobbying groups representing car manufacturers and fossil fuel companies, as well as a deeply ingrained car culture that hinders the adoption of commuter trains. Despite some progress, such as the completion of a high-speed rail line in Florida and ongoing projects in states like Texas, the U.S. lags behind China in building infrastructure at a rapid pace due to its decentralized government structure.
The potential benefits of integrating high-speed rail with EV adoption are evident, as seen in China’s successful model. By prioritizing complementary infrastructure and facilitating convenient travel options, countries can encourage the transition to EVs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As more regions invest in high-speed rail and sustainable transportation solutions, the prospect of a future where EVs seamlessly complement public transit systems becomes increasingly promising.
