Emission-free vehicles are a crucial part of automakers’ portfolios as governments around the world enact increasingly stiffer emissions requirements aimed at cleaner air. And the lower total cost of ownership makes NEVs great vehicles for fleets, be those ride-sharing, ride-hailing or commercial.
NEVs also are better suited to autonomy. They have more electrical brainpower and use electronics where traditional internal-combustion engine vehicles employ mechanical systems. In addition, EVs have simpler drivetrains, so maintenance is much easier, an important consideration as AVs likely will be driven many more miles than most cars today.
All of these trends underpin the NEV market in China. Fleet fuel-efficiency standards are set to rise precipitously in coming years. Ride-hailing firms such as Didi Chuxing already carry passengers millions of miles each year. Automakers and suppliers are penning agreements to produce BEVs specifically for ride-hailing and ride-sharing fleets. | 
