David Li is a pioneer in the maker community in China. In 2010, he co-founded XinCheJian, the first hackerspace in China to promote open source hardware. He is the current Executive Director of Shenzhen Open Innovation Lab, which facilitates collaboration among global hardware entrepreneurs to build innovative, eco-friendly products along the Belt and Road. In this episode, we unpack the notion of a “maker space” and how this concept is applied to China, especially in places like Shenzhen. David Li explains how one particular innovation, low speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) are critical, and even more important, than the electric sedan. LSEVs are experiencing a breakthrough moment, with the GM-backed Wuling Hongguang selling 15,000 units, at $US 4,000 each, within only 20 days after hitting the China market.
China accounts for more than 50% of the global EV market, yet EVs make up roughly 5% of China's total auto market as of 2020.
- Shenzhen Open Innovation Lab: https://www.szoil.org/
- SAIC-GM-Wuling Hongguang [In Chinese]: https://www.sgmw.com.cn/
- Solar Taxi, AU-based E-bikes and EVs: https://www.solartaxi.co/
- The Fab Foundation: https://fabfoundation.org/
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