Chinese Government Testing, Touting Locally Built EVs

The Chinese government gives a major boost to the country’s fledgling electric-vehicle industry, announcing 11 central government departments are involved in a trial using domestic EVs as their official business vehicles.

The Government Offices Administration of the State Council says in a statement reported by the government news agency Xinhua that the 23 EVs are built by Shenzhen-based BYD and Hefei-based JAC Motors.

They will undergo a 1-year trial by government departments that include the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Culture and the National Development and Reform Commission.

All 11 departments have been equipped with charging facilities. China Potevio will supply battery-charge and repair services.

GOA deputy head Shang Xiaoting says the trial not only is a significant measure for central government departments in emissions-reduction strategy and the promotion of green energy, but also offers an opportunity to showcase progress in developing China-made new-energy automobiles.

Shang says policies encouraging the use of new-energy vehicles are being created and more government units are scheduled to join the EV trial.

The central government released a plan in July to boost the country's EV industry with the aim to build 500,000 electric and hybrid cars by 2015.