Greentech Lead America: Annual sales of plug-in electric
vehicles (PEVs) in China will reach only 45,000 units by 2015, increasing to
152,000 vehicles in 2017, according to a recent research report, “Electric
Vehicles in China” from Pike Research.
Considering electric vehicle (EV) development and
adoption to be a strategic priority with major economic, environmental, and security
impacts for the country, the government of China has established a goal of
making China the world leader in plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales.
“As of early 2012, only a few domestically produced EV
models were available to China’s general public,” says research director John
Gartner. “Indeed, evidence is emerging to suggest that Chinese EV manufacturers
have yet to develop proven technology that can propel the market. Even though
it is unlikely to reach its targets, however, China’s EV ambitions will provide
a huge boost to electric car development worldwide in the long run.”
Since 2003, Chinese automakers have released or announced
the production of 40 battery electric vehicles and 31 plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles that will be on the market by 2015. Chinese vehicle manufacturers such
as BYD, SAIC, and Foton all delivered hybrids or PEVs to the market by 2011.
Among foreign automakers, Japanese and American
manufacturers — including General Motors, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota — were
early entrants to the PEV market, while European suppliers have yet to announce
PEV launch plans for China.