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Impact of novel infrastructure investments on productivity: Evidence from public procurement of EV charging facilities in China

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  • He, Xiaoping
  • Jiang, Shuo
  • Yu, Yuxuan
  • Su, Siyi

Abstract

This study employs data from Chinese government procurement and listed companies from 2015 to 2022 to assess the influence of public investment in charging infrastructure on firm productivity. The findings of the study indicate that public investment in charging infrastructure has resulted in considerable positive externalities in terms of technological innovation and market demand, which in turn have led to significant productivity gains. In cities, where the electricity load is more heavily weighted towards the residential and commercial sectors, increased electricity consumption supported by improved charging infrastructure may crowd out industrial electricity consumption, with potentially negative consequences for firm productivity. However, this adverse effect is not large enough to offset the productivity benefits from innovations and demand growth caused by public charging infrastructure investment. The results provide new evidence on the positive externalities of public energy infrastructure.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Xiaoping & Jiang, Shuo & Yu, Yuxuan & Su, Siyi, 2025. "Impact of novel infrastructure investments on productivity: Evidence from public procurement of EV charging facilities in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:334:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225033419
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137699
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    2. Wang, Chunning & Yin, Yifen & Cai, Jingwen & Hu, Haoqian, 2026. "Regional heterogeneity and policy evolution of China's new energy vehicle development: A multi-dimensional analysis based on dynamic time warping clustering and dual policy frameworks," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).

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