Decarbonization of China’s Road Transportation System: History, Technical Pathway, and Global Impact

Decarbonizing the transportation sector is critical for China to achieve its ambitious “dual-carbon” goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060. Guided by the overarching philosophy of “ecological civilization,” this paper systematically reviews the historical evolution, technological pathways, and global implications of China’s transport transition. We analyze the institutional trajectory as governance shifts from early administrative mandates focused on energy conservation to a sophisticated, market-oriented framework incorporating carbon trading and green finance. The study identifies a synergistic technical pathway centered on the widespread adoption of new-energy vehicles (NEVs), the deep integration of renewable energy, and the deployment of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) to enhance operational efficiency. Beyond domestic progress, the review highlights significant global spillover effects: China’s massive deployment scale and manufacturing capabilities have accelerated technological learning, driving down costs for batteries and clean technologies, thereby lowering adoption barriers worldwide. Furthermore, by reshaping green industrial value chains and actively engaging in global climate governance, China plays a pivotal role in fostering international technology diffusion. Ultimately, this review offers valuable insights into the complexity of systemic decarbonization, demonstrating how the coordination of policy guidance, technological innovation, and market mechanisms can advance sustainable development and effective emission reductions on a global scale.