Abstract: In China’s pursuit of sustainable development, the policy pilot initiated by the central government is a crucial form for local governments to undertake sustainable actions. When the logic of cooperation among local governments is introduced into the design of pilot policies, what configurations will drive local governments to choose a cooperative pilot strategy in sustainable actions? Taking the pilot promotion and application of new energy vehicles in China as a case scenario, this paper utilizes Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to explore the influencing factors and pathways of local governments in choosing cooperative pilot strategies in sustainable actions. The research reveals the following findings: First, cooperation guidance and environmental governance pressure from higher-level governments, considerations of cooperation partner search costs and information communication costs, as well as the financial and technological capabilities of local governments, will converge to drive them to choose cooperative pilot strategies in sustainable actions. Second, there are four paths for local government to engage in cooperation pilots: free-rider type, development-oriented type, pressure-driven type, and proximity-driven type, reflecting the differentiated motivations of local governments. Third, lower cooperation partner search cost is a necessary condition for local governments to choose cooperative pilot strategies in sustainable actions.

Key words: sustainable action, cooperation among local governments, pilot promotion and application of new energy vehicles