New energy car batteries to be subsidized in China

Want China Times, Chen Chang-jui and Staff Reporter 2014-11-22

Workers inspecting new energy cars at a factory in Hefei, Anhui province,

Aug. 19. (Photo/Xinhua)

China plans to introduce subsidy policies on batteries used for electric vehicles as the high battery prices have become a roadblock to electric cars gaining popularity in China, our Chinese-language sister newspaper Want Daily reports.

International car makers have been increasing their investments in the Chinese new energy vehicle market in recent years. The subsidy policies on batteries may be a turning point to its development in 2015, the report said.

US electric car manufacturer Tesla Motor, a major player in the Chinese new energy car market, has built 20 super-charging stations in eight cities nationwide and more than 400 destination-charging stations in 61 cities.

It is said that Tesla had approached the Shenzhen-based electric car and battery maker BYD for partnership in manufacturing, but hasn't received a response from BYD yet.

Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company, a joint venture between Japanese automaker Nissan and China's Dongfeng Motors, launched its first electric car in September.

Besides the battery subsidy policy, a draft aiming to promote new-energy vehicles in China has been released on Oct. 30 by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and eleven other government departments.

The draft details plans for improved infrastructure such as how new public parking lots should reserve sufficient space for electric cars and charging stations. Charging posts will be set up in current parking lots, highway toll stations and truck stops.