How China Should Go Electric

With China’s decision to phase out gas- and diesel-fueled vehicles, the end is nearer for the internal combustion engine. For their nation to reap the full benefits of this revolution, Chinese leaders will need to continue to be bold.

Nations that account for almost 80 percent of the world auto market are now planning or considering plans to end over the next few decades the sale of cars and trucks powered by fossil fuels. Big carmakers, many of whom have responded only tepidly to previous government mandates to develop electric vehicles, should now be more inclined to spend money on designing and producing new models. As costs come down, even American drivers may be tempted to switch their gas guzzlers for plug-ins (assuming they can find somewhere to charge up).