Electric cars are gaining traction, but range anxiety remains a major concern for many buyers. A new study by the University of Pennsylvania reveals an unexpected solution: high-speed rail. Researchers found that China’s extensive high-speed rail network has contributed to a significant increase in electric vehicle sales.
The study, led by Hanming Fang, analyzed data from 328 cities and found that areas with high-speed rail connections saw a 91% increase in electric vehicle sales. Fang explains that when alternative transportation options are available, range anxiety becomes less of a concern. “If we have other ways to make long-distance trips, like high-speed rail, we’re less worried about using our electric vehicles for those trips.”
How High-Speed Rail Complements Electric Vehicles
China’s high-speed rail network covers over 45,000 km, making it the largest in the world. The study found that cities connected to the network earlier saw faster growth in electric vehicle sales. Researchers also considered other factors, including:
- Availability of electric vehicle charging stations
- Road investment volume
- Government industrial policies
The study concludes that combining high-speed rail with incentives for electric vehicle purchases could be the key to accelerating adoption. Fang notes that the connection between high-speed rail and electric vehicle sales was likely an unintentional coincidence, but a fortunate one nonetheless.
It was a happy coincidence. At the time, electric vehicle adoption was still expensive and batteries weren’t very reliable.
China’s high-speed rail network has unique characteristics, including national connectivity, with 96% of cities with over 500,000 inhabitants served by high-speed trains. The country’s rail network accounts for over 70% of the world’s high-speed rail network.
Implications for Urban Growth and Electric Vehicle Adoption
The study’s findings have implications for urban growth and electric vehicle adoption. With a reliable alternative transportation option like high-speed rail, consumers may be more likely to choose electric vehicles for shorter trips. As Fang notes, “If we have other ways to make long-distance trips, we’re less worried about using our electric vehicles for those trips.”
The study’s conclusions suggest that policymakers should consider combining infrastructure investments in high-speed rail and electric vehicle charging stations to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. By providing alternative transportation options, governments can help alleviate range anxiety and promote the growth of the electric vehicle market.