While Warren Buffet’s investment in the Shenzen-based BYD electric car company put the world spotlight on China’s inroads into producing larger hybrid and all-electric cars, these automobiles, costing around $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the model, are not affordable for the average Chinese family.

Jimmy Wang and Lin Yang traveled to remote areas of Shandong Province and discovered a new phenomenon is already beginning to radically change the landscape of Chinese roads in second and third tier cities: small, 4-seat all-electric passenger vehicles that cost as little as $2000-$3000, can be charged in a normal household outlet, and emit 0 greenhouse gases.

These vehicles, nicknamed “Shanzhai”—which means knockoff brand—have become so popular in small cities like Liaocheng, in Shandong province, that the central government is engaged in a debate over what kind of licenses will be issued for them, who will issue licenses, where they can be driven, and who can manufacture them.  Because of their affordability, Shanzhais are quickly replacing electric bicycles as the preferred choice of transportation for the masses in small cities across Shandong and Anhui.

Produced by Jimmy Wang

Originally published on January 4, 2010

13 Responses to “Shanzhai Electric Car Revolution 山寨电动汽车革命”

1. michaelz Says:
   October 16th, 2012 at 2:24 pm

   Sure

2. Tamisha Alvey Says:
   October 9th, 2012 at 4:58 am

   Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my users would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Cheers!

3. roger Says:
   November 8th, 2011 at 6:40 pm

   Would you kindly send full direccion and e-mail of the factory manufacturing shanzhai , very interested in getting in touch with
   Thank you
   Regards
   Roger

4. P2P Foundation » Blog Archive » The Shanzai Electric Car Revolution in China Says:
   June 3rd, 2011 at 7:45 am

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7. Marcella Newfield Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 6:30 pm

   Your Article is Very HelpFull , Thank you very much

8. The little shanzhai electric car engine that could | Expat Guide Says:
   May 10th, 2010 at 1:55 am

   [...] to this report by Jimmy Wang, the seat of the shanzhai electric car revolution is located in Shandong Province, [...]

9. The little shanzhai electric car engine that could | Manufacturer China Says:
   May 9th, 2010 at 5:37 am

   [...] to this report by Jimmy Wang, the seat of the shanzhai electric car revolution is located in Shandong Province, [...]

10. The little shanzhai electric car engine that could :: Shanghaiist | Manufacturer China Says:
    May 9th, 2010 at 5:35 am

    [...] to this report by Jimmy Wang, the seat of the shanzhai electric car revolution is located in Shandong Province, [...]

11. China: Black turning green? « OECD Insights Blog Says:
    March 23rd, 2010 at 8:01 am

    [...] of Chinese cities. And, less officially, shanzhai (“homemade” or “knockoff”) electric cars are becoming a familiar site on the streets of China’s numerous smaller cities. Cheap and [...]

12. veron Says:
    February 4th, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    Can these electric cars be exported to another country? and if there is any phone number to contact a saler

    CHINA GREEN: As far as we know, these small firms are mostly doing domestic business and it will wait until the Chinese government to legalize their business and issue exporting licenses etc.

13. bob Says:
    January 6th, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Fascinating

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