New-energy cars grab spotlight at SH auto show

Battery-powered cars and other energy-efficient vehicles have taken the spotlight at the Shanghai Auto Show. Though most are still concept cars, auto-makers believe they can put some into production by 2011.

Almost every major exhibitor has one or two alternative-fuel cars on display, showing their commitment to save the planet eventually. But concerns about battery life, speed, and dependability are scaring off value-conscious car buyers.

An auto show visitor said, "I think there are still some problems with the electric cars. One thing is the range of this kind of car. This model only goes 120 to 150 kilometers on a fully-charged battery. It's quite limited."

"If you're a first-time car buyer, I don't think you would consider an electric car. I don't believe they are as reliable as normal, fuel-driven cars at the moment," said an auto show visitor.

Nissan says a partnership should be established between car makers and governments to build the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles before battery powered cars can hit the market. And that is going to take a few years.

Andy Palmer, senior vice president of NISSAN Motor, said, "It has to be a partnership. Car makers with city governments, bringing the infrastructure, working together to making the environment right. A few countries have stepped up and China is among the leading countries. As a consequence, we are bringing a production model in 2011 to China."

In fact, the partnership has to also involve auto parts makers. Italian car component maker Magneti Marelli says auto parts represent 70-percent of the total value of a whole car, and the working capability of car components is also essential for improving the energy efficiency of a vehicle.

According to China's Ministry of Science and Technology, 2010 will witness a tide of new-energy car development. The next 10-to-20 years will be a critical period for the establishment of fuel-efficient and new-energy cars in China, and throughout the world.