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Impacts of full electrification of public sector vehicles on urban air quality: Evidence from 15 pilot cities in China

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  • Chen, Li
  • Li, Chuanyao

Abstract

In 2023, China released the Full Electrification of Public Sector Vehicles (FEPSV) policy in 15 pilot cities, a significant upgrade in electric vehicles (EVs) promotion policy since 2009. This study investigates the impact of the FEPSV policy on urban air quality utilizing a difference-in-differences (DID) model. It employs daily panel data from 44 cities in China, comprising 15 cities in the treatment group and 29 cities in the control group, covering the period from January 1, 2023, to September 2, 2024. Additionally, this study analyzes the heterogeneity and spillover effects of the FEPSV policy. The findings indicate that the FEPSV policy leads to a 3.7% decrease in the Air Quality Index (AQI) in pilot cities, demonstrating a significant positive impact on urban air quality. Heterogeneity analyses showed that the FEPSV policy had better air quality improvements in cities that had been designated as pilot cities in 2009–2010. The observed impacts were more pronounced in southern cities compared to northern cities. Spillover effects analysis shows that implementing the FEPSV policy improves air quality in adjacent cities. This study focuses on the short-term effects of the FEPSV policy and aims to provide policymakers with preliminary feedback on policy impacts for timely adjustments to optimize policy implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Li & Li, Chuanyao, 2025. "Impacts of full electrification of public sector vehicles on urban air quality: Evidence from 15 pilot cities in China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:200:y:2025:i:c:s0965856425002599
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2025.104631
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