Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to National Business Daily, Electrek, and public statements from industry representatives.

Beijing is set to replace its entire taxi fleet with electric vehicles, a move that will affect roughly 70,000 cars and represents one of the largest municipal fleet conversions in the world. The policy, part of a draft air pollution control program for 2017 covering Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and surrounding areas, mandates that all newly added or replacement taxis in the capital switch from gasoline to electricity.

The plan was first reported by National Business Daily, which cited the draft program. The initiative is not entirely new—Shenzhen and Taiyuan have already announced similar measures—but Beijing’s scale is unprecedented, given its population of over 20 million and its status as the country’s political and cultural hub.

According to the report, the total conversion is expected to cost around 9 billion yuan (approximately $1.3 billion USD). While the upfront expense is significant, proponents argue that electric taxis could reduce fuel costs for operators and lower maintenance expenses over time. More critically, the shift is seen as a direct response to the hazardous air quality that Beijing residents face on a regular basis, a public health concern that has prompted repeated government action.

Industry Calls for Subsidies and Charging Infrastructure

Despite the long-term benefits, the transition is not without financial hurdles. Liu Jinliang, chairman of Geely’s ride-hailing subsidiary Caocao, has urged the government to provide subsidies to taxi companies to ease the burden of purchasing electric vehicles. Similarly, Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the National Passenger Cars Association, has called for accelerated construction of charging facilities to support the growing fleet.

The Beijing mandate comes on the heels of the Chinese government’s decision to relax restrictions on car manufacturing, a move designed to attract more electric vehicle production. According to Electrek, China is now the world’s largest electric vehicle market, with a fleet of over 600,000 electric cars—more than the United States and Europe combined. The addition of 70,000 taxis would further cement that lead.

While the policy is still in draft form, its implementation is expected to begin this year. The transition will likely unfold gradually, as existing gasoline-powered taxis reach the end of their service life and are replaced with electric models. The success of the program will depend on the availability of charging infrastructure and the willingness of taxi companies to absorb the initial costs, which is why industry voices are pushing for government support.

For now, Beijing’s move signals a clear direction: the city is betting on electric mobility to tackle pollution and modernize its public transport. Whether other Chinese cities will follow suit remains to be seen, but the pattern is already established—Shenzhen and Taiyuan have led the way, and now the capital is joining the ranks.