Walking on the streets of bustling Chinese cities, electric vehicles are an indispensable scenery in almost every corner, and they shuttle between crowded lanes, which are flexible and convenient, and have become the first choice for many people's daily commuting.
However, when we cross the ocean to Japan, the land of cherry blossoms, the sight seems to disappear abruptly, and electric cars are a rarity here. What's the secret behind this? Today, let's follow in the footsteps of electric car experts and explore those unknown truths together.
Electric cars in China
In China, electric vehicles are rapidly taking over the market with their incomparable proximity to the people. They have become a favorite of hundreds of millions of families due to their affordable price, environmental and energy-saving features, and flexibility to navigate congested cities. According to statistics, the number of two-wheeled electric vehicles in the country has exceeded 350 million, which is equivalent to one electric vehicle for every four Chinese.
From the morning and evening rush hours of office workers to the warm moments when parents pick up and drop off their children, electric vehicles silently carry the daily life of countless people. But in Japan, a globally recognized technology and manufacturing powerhouse, electric vehicles have not been able to replicate their success in China. How so? A few local friends explained the three main reasons behind it:
1. Industrial ecology
In Japan, the traditional two-wheeled bicycle industry has deep roots, with well-known brands such as Panasonic and Bridgestone in the bicycle field, while the motorcycle industry brings together international giants such as Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha, which have long been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and almost monopolize the two-wheeled travel market. Coupled with the strength of Japan's automobile industry, whether it is a family car that pursues cost-effectiveness, or a sports car that pursues speed and passion, Japanese brands have everything, leaving extremely limited space for the development of electric vehicles.
2. Strict regulations
Japan has stricter regulations on electric vehicles. Once the speed exceeds 20 km/h, the owner must obtain a driver's license and purchase insurance, which undoubtedly raises the threshold for the use of electric vehicles. In contrast, motorcycles have their own regulations, but in Japan's deep motorcycle culture, people are more willing to accept the convenience and freedom that motorcycles bring than the added burden of electric vehicles.
3. Motorcycle culture
There is no "ban on motorcycles" in Japan, on the contrary, motorcycles have a deep cultural heritage here. As of 2023, there are 10,287,500 motorcycles in Japan, and the popularity of almost one per person has made motorcycles an indispensable part of the streets of Japan. Motorcycles are not only about speed and freedom, but also about a way of life, and electric vehicles seem to lack this emotional resonance.
Epilogue:
It is true that electric vehicles are admired worldwide for their label of green mobility, but the popularity of charging facilities, the limitation of driving range, and the gap in performance compared to motorcycles are all objective reasons why they are difficult to popularize in Japan. Especially in a highly motorcycle-friendly social environment, electric vehicles will undoubtedly need to overcome more cultural and policy barriers if they want to get a piece of the pie.
When we compare the popularity of electric vehicles between the two countries, we have to admit that each country's transportation culture, policy orientation and industrial base have a profound impact on the fate of new means of transportation. The ubiquity of electric vehicles in China is due to its accurate grasp of market demand and active promotion of policies; In Japan, the scarcity of electric vehicles reflects a country's adherence to the existing traffic pattern and a deep attachment to motorcycle culture.
In the face of such differences, one can't help but wonder: in the future, with the advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, electric vehicles will usher in a turnaround in Japan, or how will motorcycle culture coexist with electric vehicles? This is not only a torture of the electric vehicle industry, but also a profound exploration of the future direction of a country's transportation mode. What do you think the future of electric vehicles will look like in Japan? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below.