Shanghai, March 8 (Gasgoo.com) Beijing municipality plans to start running thousands of energy-saving, electric-powered vehicles on the capital city's roads later this year, although the local car market may not be ready for the drastic change from fuel to electricity, China Daily reported today.
The Chinese capital now has 4.13 million vehicles citywide and is eager to lead China's drive toward energy-efficient, eco-friendly auto industry. China surpassed the United States last year as the world's top auto producer and consumer. The central government will soon release favorable policies for hybrid and electrical vehicles.
"Electric vehicles are the next growth opportunity for China's carmakers and electricity generators. The government hopes a few cities will become the testing grounds before the model can be passed on to more cities in the country," an industry official said over the week in Beijing.
Beijing city's economic planning body also said the local authorities are in talks with more carmakers to set up plants for electric vehicles in Beijing, adding that about 15,000 electric vehicles will be running in Beijing this year, mostly buses and sanitation vehicles.
More private cars are also expected to "go electric" as the green plan is widely welcomed, although it remains to be seen whether all car owners will be willing to pay more for an electric car, which is usually 30% more expensive than a conventional sedan.
"I think most car owners love the plan," said Li Yunwei, chairman of the Beijing car owners' society. "But until more favorable policies or even special subsidies are issued to car buyers, few of them are willing to switch from fuel to electricity."
