Author:

Wang Yufei, Researcher at Management World Magazine;

Xu Qingwen, School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University; Urban Development and Land Policy Research Center, Peking University–Lincoln Institute, graduate student;

Liu Jingyi, Peking University–Lincoln Institute Urban Development and Land Policy Research Center , policy researcher

Abstract:

Establishing low-emission zones is a common approach to reducing smog. In 2017, Beijing was the first to implement such zones for trucks, followed by many other cities. The two are based on similar principles and have transitions, allowing further exploration of zero-emission zones to promote the implementation of the "dual carbon" goals in the transportation sector. Zero-emission Zones (ZeZs) refer to policies that prohibit or restrict the passage of high-emission vehicles within specific areas. Within this zone, only zero-emission vehicles (including pure electric and fuel cell vehicles), bicycles, or walking modes of travel are allowed to enter without restriction; non-zero-emission vehicles are completely prohibited or must pay a certain fee to enter. In recent years, zero-emission zones for motor vehicles have been widely adopted as an effective policy measure in leading cities in carbon reduction efforts.

Notes:

This article was published in the Sustainable Development Economy Herald 2026 (04).