China may lead in global e-car industry -US official

Shanghai, September 30 (Gasgoo.com) China's fast-growing electric car producers could take the lead in the global electric vehicle industry if the United States fails to invest heavily in the technology, a U.S. energy official said today, the Associated Press reported.

Electric vehicles are a priority in U.S. energy policy but China is also investing aggressively in development, said David Sandalow, an assistant energy secretary. He spoke after attending a U.S.-Chinese forum on electric vehicles, which he said was attended by 80 Chinese and 60 American companies.

"They have the potential to be ahead if the United States does not invest heavily in this technology and in this industry. The Chinese are well positioned to be global leaders in the electric vehicle industry," Sandalow told reporters.

China is developing electric cars to curb surging demand for imported oil and to spearhead a promising industry. The country's leading electric car maker BYD plans to start selling an all-electric vehicle in the U.S. by 2010.

"I believe that we've got a lot to learn from each other, and that the world would benefit from us challenging each other in this industry," the U.S. energy official said.