China plans to boost use of electric vehicles

The authorities in China are keen for increased use of electric vehicles as part of a plan to reduce pollution in major cities, and as part of a wider programme aimed at lowering the environmental impact from mobility. Fuel costs are comparatively high in China, further encouraging drivers to switch to electric vehicles, at least for urban trips. And electric-assist bicycles as well as scooters are already popular in Chinese cities, highlighting the strong potential market for electric cars in the country.
December 6, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Electric scooters are popular for short trips in Chinese cities
The authorities in China are keen for increased use of electric vehicles as part of a plan to reduce pollution in major cities, and as part of a wider programme aimed at lowering the environmental impact from mobility. Fuel costs are comparatively high in China, further encouraging drivers to switch to electric vehicles, at least for urban trips. And electric-assist bicycles as well as scooters are already popular in Chinese cities, highlighting the strong potential market for electric cars in the country.

Key innovations in the electric vehicle market are now being introduced worldwide and with several new models being aimed specifically at sales in China. From 4070 General Motors (GM) comes the Sail Springo EV, which has been developed jointly between Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC). Dongfeng 2454 Nissan is offering the Kai Chen e30, which will be involved in the new energy vehicle demonstration projects in some of China’s new energy pilot cities next year. The Build Your Dreams (3484 BYD) E6 was first offered as a taxi but is now available as a private car. SAIC’s Roewe E50 offers a range of up to 190km and can be 80% charged in just 30 minutes, although a full charge takes six hours.

GM is looking to assert its presence in the electric vehicle market and recognises the potential in China. GM has plans to build the 2773 Chevrolet Sail Springo in China and has already introduced its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid to the Chinese market, as well as investing in lithium-ion battery research centre in the country.

Nissan’s Leaf Model offers a highly sophisticated electric vehicle platform and was developed jointly with its partner 2453 Renault.

Japanese firm 2728 Toyota also plans to introduce its first electric vehicle to China in 2013, although the firm is concentrating its research on hybrid development for the mean time.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Strong attendance points to a successful bauma China show
    December 17, 2014
    Even heavy rain showers on the first day of the bauma China exhibition in Shanghai did not dissuade the crowds packing the outside exhibition areas - Mike Woof writes Those firms exhibiting at bauma China 2014 in Shanghai benefited from a strong show that attracted a record attendance of 191,000, an increase of 6% over the 2012 event. A wide array of new equipment was on show from the 3,104 firms exhibiting, an increase of 14% from 2012. There was a strong focus on technology and new engines required for
    Read More
  • Taiwan developing its own EV technology
    April 26, 2012
    Taiwan’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is moving from parts manufacturing to marketing own brands, with the island’s solid base in information and communication technology (ICT) helping it to make its name on the EV stage. Taiwan is also working vigorously to develop its own EV technology, placing it among countries like Brazil.
    Read More
  • China plans important construction machinery show in Changsa for May 2019
    January 8, 2019
    An important construction machinery exhibition for the global equipment market is being planned for the Chinese city of Changsha in May 2019.
    Read More
  • Lowering construction machine exhaust emissions
    November 6, 2017
    The alternatives to diesel fuel as a power source continue to grow as firms move to cut emissions - Mike Woof writes. Only the most myopic could have failed to notice that times are changing in terms of engine technology. In the on-highway automotive sector as well as for the off-highway construction machine segment, manufacturers are looking to lower tailpipe emissions. Similar technologies have been employed in both on-highway and off-highway sectors, although those solutions have been adapted to better
    Read More

Highlighted Content