The China Passenger Car Association recently reported that, for the first time, monthly sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in China exceeded those of cars powered solely by internal combustion engines. This milestone follows more than a decade of government support for the domestic electric vehicle industry, including subsidies and favourable policies aimed at reducing dependence on oil-importing nations.

China's transition from internal combustion vehicles sparked discussion on X, where economic journalist Bartłomiej Derski noted, "China is saying goodbye to traditional cars." His comment drew strong reactions from combustion-engine enthusiasts, who quickly countered with arguments downplaying the significance of China's automotive shift. Critics highlighted, among other points, that "electricity in China costs PLN 0.40 per kWh, most of which is generated from coal."

In Poland, claims that the European Union’s efforts to combat the climate crisis are futile, with sceptics arguing that China, the world’s largest emitter of CO2, is "doing nothing" are common. However, Derski pointed out that China's energy mix is evolving rapidly. In 2023, over 35% of China's electricity came from renewable sources and nuclear power, compared to 27% in Poland. Additionally, unlike Poland, China plans to phase out coal by 2040.

While some may argue that China’s energy transition is easier in an essentially authoritarian state, a more pragmatic view is that its move away from coal and oil is primarily driven by economic factors. Solar and wind energy have already become cheaper than mining and burning fossil fuels. Meanwhile, in Poland, according to WysokieNapiecie.pl, taxpayers are expected to contribute up to PLN 9 billion in 2025 to sustain the struggling coal industry—amounting to around PLN 240 per person, from infants to the elderly.

In the discussion under economic journalist Bartłomiej Derski's post about China’s farewell to traditional cars, another familiar argument from petrol and diesel advocates emerged. One commenter bluntly claimed: "Electric cars are rubbish. Most people won’t buy that junk again." However, he did not provide any evidence to support his sweeping statement, and statistics from the United States shared in the thread contradicted his view. According to these figures, only 18% of electric vehicle users switched back to combustion-engine cars, a number partly influenced by the extremely low fuel prices in the U.S.

Another commenter countered the scepticism, writing: "Do you even own an electric car to make such claims? Not economical? I charge mine near my house and drive 450 km for just PLN 60. I only need to recharge once in Rawicz on my way because I’m from Silesia."