Removing Barriers to Chinese Investment in California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Market

Research Team: Yunshi Wang (lead), Fei Meng, and Yan Xing

UC Campus(es): UC Davis

Problem Statement: On June 7, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown and California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols met with representatives of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and battery companies to encourage their investment and products in California. The Chinese companies expressed interest in the Governor’s invitation. However, questions remain in regard to real or perceived barriers Chinese companies face in marketing their products in California and the United States more broadly and which subsector (e.g., transit bus, trucks, special vehicles, or passenger vehicles) would benefit the most from the participation of emerging market Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Project Description: This project will conduct market surveys of Chinese companies located in California and in China to gather insight on their future plans to invest and conduct business in California, as well as to identify barriers to their efforts and what state leaders can do to accelerate their participation in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) deployment in the state. In addition, a workshop will be held jointly with CARB during the Governor’s Summit in September 2018. The workshop will bring together the executives of Chinese ZEV manufacturers and officials from various California government agencies to exchange information on the safety and emission requirements for ZEVs to be sold in California and other barriers to Chinese investment in California. The workshop will also address incentive possibilities for Chinese investment in the state.

Status: Completed

Budget: $25,230