Article: Electric vehicle adoption in China's post-subsidy era: a mixed-methods study of non-fiscal incentives Journal: International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (IJATM) 2026 Vol.26 No.6 pp.20 - 46 Abstract: As governments transition from providing fiscal subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs), this study evaluates the effectiveness of non-fiscal incentives in China's post-subsidy era. We utilised an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, combining a difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) analysis of 45 cities (2013 to 2022) with comparative case studies. The quantitative results indicate that road priority and charging infrastructure significantly boost EV sales, with road priority being more effective, particularly in cities with restrictions on conventional vehicles. Qualitative findings reveal that policy success depends on the credible implementation and systemic redesign of the urban mobility ecosystem. Taken together, these findings suggest that a strategic shift from direct financial aid to systemic regulatory and infrastructural design is critical for fostering sustainable EV adoption. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Electric vehicle adoption in China's post-subsidy era: a mixed-methods study of non-fiscal incentives

Authors: Haomin Fu

Addresses: Department of Automotive Science, Graduate School of Integrated Frontier Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan

Abstract: As governments transition from providing fiscal subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs), this study evaluates the effectiveness of non-fiscal incentives in China's post-subsidy era. We utilised an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, combining a difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) analysis of 45 cities (2013 to 2022) with comparative case studies. The quantitative results indicate that road priority and charging infrastructure significantly boost EV sales, with road priority being more effective, particularly in cities with restrictions on conventional vehicles. Qualitative findings reveal that policy success depends on the credible implementation and systemic redesign of the urban mobility ecosystem. Taken together, these findings suggest that a strategic shift from direct financial aid to systemic regulatory and infrastructural design is critical for fostering sustainable EV adoption.

Keywords: electric vehicle; non-fiscal incentive; road priority; charging infrastructure; policy evaluation; China; post-subsidy era; mixed-methods research; DDD method.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.153367

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2026 Vol.26 No.6, pp.20 - 46

Received: 22 Aug 2025
Accepted: 19 Dec 2025
Published online: 06 May 2026 *

Title: Electric vehicle adoption in China's post-subsidy era: a mixed-methods study of non-fiscal incentives

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