Greentech Lead Asia: China, the world’s largest auto
market, is targeting to put 5 million hybrids and electric vehicles (EV) on the
road between now and 2020.
According to central government’s website, a green
vehicle development plan approved by China’s State Council also set the
cumulative output level of such vehicles at the same level by 2020.
That compared with the 1 million 2020 EV output goal put forward by China’s
science and technology minister Wan Gang in October 2010.
Other officials had said they wanted to have half a
million EVs on the road by then.
Beijing has been pushing electric car industry with hefty subsidies. The
government had also pledged to invest 100 billion yuan ($15.87 billion) to
enhance the industry by 2020.
Sales have been dismal due to high battery costs and lack of charging
facilities.
Output of hybrids and EVs came to merely 8,368 last year, with sales at 8,159,
including those for government pilot programs for e-taxis and e-buses,
according to media reports.
China saw sales of 14.5 million cars in 2011. The country’s car market declined
1.3 percent in the first quarter, on the slowing economy and higher fuel
prices.