Haikou, July 14 — In a decisive move that underscores its commitment to ecological civilization and carbon neutrality, the southern Chinese island province of Hainan has firmly established a deadline to prohibit the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. This ambitious target positions Hainan at the forefront of the nation’s transition toward new energy vehicles (NEVs), serving as a national demonstration zone for sustainable development. The recently released provincial plan for 2026-2030 reiterates this goal, providing a clear roadmap for the complete transformation of the region’s automotive landscape. The scope of this prohibition is comprehensive and far-reaching. By the end of the decade, every newly added or replaced private vehicle in Hainan must be a new energy vehicle. This mandate extends beyond personal transportation to include all new and replacement vehicles used in public service and commercial operations. The only exceptions to this strict rule wil...