In debates about electric mobility, opponents of politically mandated phase-out dates for new registrations of combustion-engine vehicles often argue that e-mobility is gaining traction in China without the need for bans. However, the Chinese province of Hainan does not intend to leave the transition entirely to market forces.Hainan has become the first province in China to implement a political ban on the sale of petrol-powered vehicles. The provincial government has now confirmed that it will continue to follow the timetable established in 2022. The province, which consists of several islands in southern China, plans to completely prohibit the sale of pure combustion-engine vehicles by 2030 while simultaneously electrifying all new and replacement vehicles in the private sector.Under the current plan, the share of so-called New Energy Vehicles (battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles) in Hainan’s vehicle fleet is set to increase from 23.75 per cent in 2025 to 45 per cent by 2030. This target exceeds China’s latest national objective. Hainan’s plan also states that the province will promote the use of fuel cell vehicles in heavy-duty trucks, cold-chain logistics and public transport.cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com