On June 12, 2023, during the Automotive Decarbonization and Sustainability Summit 2023, the "White Paper on Dual Carbon Research in the Automotive Industry" was officially released. The work, supervised by the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai (referred to as "CCPIT Shanghai"), exclusively sponsored by the Shanghai branch of Bank of Communications, was collaboratively edited by ZXZC, the Automotive Engineering Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co., Ltd.

The White Paper, via the preliminary establishment of a comprehensive carbon emission calculation model throughout the lifecycle and ecology of automobiles, aims to focus on the "30·60” dual-carbon targets during the auto industry's era of "new four modernizations" following a century of enormous change. It provides a detailed analysis of carbon footprints and emissions throughout the entire life cycle of auto products, encompassing all stages from manufacturing, usage, to recycling, and the related upstream and downstream industries and their social and ecological impacts. This model offers a precise and efficient forecasting tool and data for the urgent needs at all levels, including the selection and optimization of low-carbon technology routes for products, the establishment and strategic planning of dual-carbon targets for businesses, the market and consumer pursuit of a low-carbon lifestyle, and the formulation of national and industry-related policies and regulations as well as overall industry development planning. All of this is intended to help identify and drive a scientific, reasonable, and sustainable development direction and path, accelerating the high-quality development process of China's auto industry.

Some words from the initiators

Xu Min: The "White Paper on Dual Carbon Research in the Automotive Industry" holds great significance as a preliminary result of carbon reduction in the auto industry.

Xu Min,  Dean of the Automotive Engineering Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University

It is a privilege to witness the release of the "White Paper on Dual Carbon Research in the Automotive Industry" (referred to as the "White Paper") at the inaugural 2023 Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo (referred to as “Carbon Neutrality Expo”). I would like to express gratitude to the CCPIT Shanghai for their generous support, and to the tireless efforts of all committee members. After nearly a year of comprehensive analysis and research into the industry's carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle, the White Paper has established a reliable data model. This achievement is largely thanks to the ample data provided by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and auto parts companies, which enabled us to perfect it. In exploring the "30·60" dual-carbon targets, we have gained preliminary results that illuminate the correct direction for the industry. Especially in terms of choosing technical routes and how upstream and downstream companies can collaborate on carbon reduction throughout the lifecycle, the White Paper has shed light on the aspects that confuses the industry and its publication is a first step in reducing carbon emissions.

As the automotive industry enters the growth market, how can we further optimize the existing market? Clearly, we cannot rely on capacity to stimulate development, but should use innovative technology, among which carbon reduction technology is of paramount importance to the sustainable development of the auto industry. Carbon reduction technology inherently belongs to high-quality development and is a vital part of the transition from quantitative to qualitative development. It's also crucial for China's transformation from a big auto country to a powerful auto country, a natural law at this stage of our development.

Moving from a big auto country to a powerful auto country, seeking high-quality and sustainable development is a significant topic we should be considering. At this important moment, having such a valuable forum has extraordinary significance for the industry.

Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude again to all the committee members and industry partners participating in this forum, and I wish everyone a fruitful experience.

Wang Lei: The White Paper offers the industry a carbon emission accounting tool through the "Dual Carbon Index Model"

Wang Lei， President of Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co., Ltd.

Ever since China proposed the "dual carbon" goals at the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly, it has assumed the leadership and responsibilities of a major country, striving to meet the global climate agreement and implementation details with Chinese wisdom and solutions.

Peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality have become the main themes driving carbon reduction and energy structure transformation in all sectors. The automotive industry is also promoting the path to carbon neutrality through discussions on various lifecycle stages such as raw materials, production, manufacturing, use, and recycling. With the strong support of the CCPIT Shanghai and Bank of Communications’ Shanghai branch, we invited Shanghai Jiao Tong University and ZXZC to co-draw up the White Paper.

As an essential component of the inaugural Carbon Neutrality Expo, the White Paper provides the industry an excellent tool for carbon emission accounting through the "Dual Carbon Model". Based on quantitative data analysis, it provides data support for enterprises to implement dual carbon strategies and offers a scientific basis for the formulation of national industrial policies.

We also look forward to closely cooperating with more industry experts, partners, and key leading enterprises to better promote the progress and exchange of green and low-carbon technology at home and abroad, providing scientific guidance and innovative motivation for the further development of the automotive industry towards a low-carbon direction.

Zhou Xiaoying: From 0 to 1, the White Paper reflects the industry's responsibility

Zhou Xiaoying, CEO of ZXZC

After decades of double-digit production and sales growth, the development of China's auto industry has shown a prosperous trend. Focusing on the electrification and intelligence, every industrial players continues to innovate in and iterate technologies and products.

The "30·60" goals have raised new requirements for the development of Chinese auto industry. With the entry of new energy vehicles (NEVs) into the established market, especially this year, overseas performance has been steady. There are 132 brands on the Chinese market and more than 2,600 models for sale, while prices are going down, pursuing the ultimate cost-effectiveness. Therefore, ZXZC Auto Research Institute predicts that China’s auto market may experience a slight drop in sales this year.

The current Chinese auto industry has several characteristics: the rapid growth in market share of China’s wholly-owned brands is unstoppable; after the penetration rate exceeds 30%, the NEV industry requires a significant impetus to move up; Chinese auto companies ranked No.1 globally in the first quarter by auto exports, showing surging momentum of auto exports.

The compilation of the White Paper took a year, which involved external environmental reasons and internal industry factors. The auto industry itself does not account for a high proportion of carbon emissions, occupying only 7%-10% in the broader energy ecosystem. How to study the model reasonably and scientifically, and where the data come from, we are all exploring in an uninhabited area.

The process of the White Paper from 0 to 1 may have its shortcomings, but it represents our responsibility to the industry. Especially at the time when Chinese products are accelerating their overseas expansion, we have moved from talking about cost-effectiveness to emphasizing more on ecosystem construction, environmental friendliness, high-quality development, and the transition to green and low carbon. Sustainable car exports will become a plus for human development. After the release of the White Paper, we will continue to collect practices of low-carbon models and zero-carbon factories from the industry, and we look forward to active participation from all guests in case practice case collection.

Speech by sponsor's representative

Song Bin: Facilitating dual carbon goals in the auto industry with the White Paper

Song Bin,  Deputy Governor of Bank of Communications Shanghai Branch

Song Bin, Deputy Governor of Bank of Communications Shanghai Branch stated, "As one of the first banks in China to systematically promote green finance, Bank of Communications regards green as the fundamental color of its business development. We continually enhance our support for the real economy through green financial services, and fully commit to serving the national goals of reaching a carbon peak and achieving carbon neutrality.

He also added that the automotive industry is a pillar of China's industrial development and consumer spending. It is also a key industry for accelerating the achievement of 'dual carbon' strategic goals. By supporting the writing and publishing of the White Paper, Bank of Communications hopes to jointly promote the establishment, promotion, and popularization of carbon emission reduction standards in the automotive industry, and help to achieve the 'dual carbon' goals of the automotive industry."

Ceremony & Group Photo

From left to right in the group photo are Zhou Xiaoying, CEO of ZXZC, Wang Lei, President of Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co., Ltd., Xu Min, Dean of the Automotive Engineering Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shuai Shi, Deputy General Manager of the Financial Institutions Department of Bank of Communications and Executive Deputy Secretary-General of Shanghai Financial Association, and Song Bin, Deputy Governor of Bank of Communications Shanghai Branch.