Lao Ma, of course, didn't believe Xu Zhao's words, so he randomly selected some residents to ask.
The residents' answers were similar to what Xu Zhao said.
The number of times they experienced power outages and water shortages in a year usually ranged from one to three.
And the years with three outages were rare.
Many times, they wouldn't even have one power outage a year.
In other words, Xu Zhao not only hadn't exaggerated, but he had actually given a conservative number.
After randomly asking some passersby.
Lao Ma looked up and surveyed the slightly old residential buildings, sighing, "I've always known that Longguo's infrastructure is good, but I didn't expect even the slums to be at this level."
People in Longguo might feel uncomfortable hearing "slums."
But in foreign countries, it's actually a neutral term.
After all, even the United States has names like "slums," "black neighborhoods," and "crime zones."
It's not bad that they haven't given you a whole zombie zone.
"Why does my data analysis show that Jinghai City ranks only 21st in Longguo."
Lao Ma couldn't help but wonder.
Did my data go wrong?
"You should have seen the prosperous districts in the city. Our level of urban construction is no problem."
Xu Zhao said.
"Yes, the level of construction in the prosperous districts surprised me. It's about the same as the big cities in the United States."
Lao Ma said.
Because the US infrastructure is from decades ago, the level of aging is quite high. Some places are not even as good as Jinghai City.
"The reason we can only rank 21st in Longguo is not because Jinghai City is bad, but because the cities ahead of us are too abnormal."
"They are either the provincial capitals of a province or cities with particularly developed foreign trade."
"After all, Longguo is too big. Just these provincial capitals and developed cities, there are more than a dozen."
Xu Zhao said helplessly.
It's like, I got into a top university, and I'm only ranked 20th in the class.
Does this mean I'm trash?
The problem is, there are only a few top universities in the world.
"Indeed."
Lao Ma nodded in agreement.
"If you compare us to the whole world, how would you rate Jinghai City's level of construction?"
Xu Zhao said.
"If we compare it that way, Jinghai City seems pretty good."
Lao Ma's eyes lit up.
This is undoubtedly a very magical phenomenon of comparison.
Compared to within Longguo, Jinghai City doesn't rank high.
But if we compare it to the outside world, it actually becomes competitive.
Because outside there are only some third-rate universities, Jinghai City can go out and fight in singles and beat a group.
"I know you want to pursue ultimate efficiency, but I believe that under similar levels of urban construction, we might consider some other factors."
Xu Zhao said.
He took Lao Ma for a walk in both the prosperous districts and the slums.
The purpose was to let him understand the real Jinghai City.
It's not to make Jinghai City look great, but to let him understand that Jinghai City is not that bad.
Even compared to the whole world, it's not bad.
"What factors?"
Lao Ma said.
"For example, policies, loans, and industrial chains. I know other cities in Longguo can provide you with these, and even more."
"So today, I mainly want to talk about my personal factors."
Xu Zhao smiled.
"Your personal factors?"
Lao Ma was a bit suspicious, not understanding what was so special about him.
"You know why I actively invited you to build a factory? Because I believe that electric cars are definitely the mainstream of the future."
Xu Zhao was brimming with confidence.
Actually, he didn't think so, but he knew Lao Ma thought so.
So he wanted to create an impression of shared ideals.
"Really, why?"
Lao Ma was genuinely interested.
"First, electricity is a universal energy source in the world. Even in Africa, a primitive tribe. Their first step towards modernization is to run an electrical wire and install a light bulb in their homes."
Xu Zhao said.
Lao Ma nodded in agreement.
"Second, electricity technology has developed for many years, and the technology is relatively mature. Whether it's thermal power, hydropower, wind power, nuclear power, or solar power, it has already begun to be used on a large scale. And it's foreseeable that these technologies will continue to develop, with great potential."
"A thousand years from now, humans may stop using coal and oil, but they will never stop using electricity."
Xu Zhao said.
"That makes sense."
Lao Ma continued to nod.
"Third, intelligent driving is definitely the trend of the future, and electric power systems are more adaptable."
Xu Zhao said.
Lao Ma still nodded in agreement.
"Fourth, electric cars have less air pollution, which is exactly what urban residents are pursuing."
"Fifth, electric cars have more flexible control systems and a lower driving threshold."
"Sixth..."
To get Lao Ma's approval, Xu Zhao had done some homework.
He listed many advantages of electric cars in one breath.
It's everyone's weakness to like hearing things that align with their own thoughts, and Lao Ma is no exception.
When Lao Ma saw that various countries were developing hydrogen fuel vehicles and promoting hydrogen fuel, he was very angry.
He publicly criticized hydrogen fuel vehicles.
This shows that Lao Ma is not a robot; he also has personal preferences.
"I agree with all your points. In fact, that's what I think too."
Lao Ma was actually a little tempted.
If Xu Zhao were just an ordinary person, then his opinion wouldn't matter to Lao Ma.
But Xu Zhao is the leader of this city.
His thoughts will undoubtedly affect the development of the entire city.
"I can tell you very clearly that even without your joining, I will still actively promote electric vehicles in Jinghai City in the future."
"I plan to build 300,000 charging stations in Jinghai City within three years."
Xu Zhao spread his hands, looking hopeful.
Actually, this time he was bluffing.
If Lao Ma hadn't come to Jinghai City, he wouldn't have built so many charging stations.
"Build 300,000 charging stations in three years, are you sure you're not joking?"
Lao Ma exclaimed in surprise.
"I'm serious, and please believe me, I have the ability."
Xu Zhao pretended to be very confident.
Lao Ma became even more tempted. He thought: It seems that this Secretary Xu really wants to build the electric vehicle industry.
And he believes that Xu Zhao has the ability.
Because this is Longguo.
A place where a local official can quickly implement a policy as long as they are determined.
Unlike the old US, where there are various constraints.
Actually, even Lao Ma himself wasn't sure if electric vehicles could be promoted so quickly.
But he was infected by Xu Zhao's confidence.
Moreover, Lao Ma considered that building charging stations doesn't cost him any money. If it fails, he doesn't have to take responsibility.
Someone is willing to gamble with the whole city for him.
It would be a shame to give up.