How Shenzhen became the electric car capital of the world

The World

China now produces nearly three-quarters of the world’s electric cars, and no city embodies that dominance more than Shenzhen, home to industry giant BYD. The city of 20 million people is a global hub of clean transportation and high-tech innovation. As The World’s Jeremy Siegel reports, Shenzhen’s transformation has roots in Apple’s decision produce the iPhone there 20 years ago.

This story originally aired on Dec. 4, 2025.

Will you support The World?

The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?