China aims to have 5m electric and hybrid vehicles on the road by 2020

China has been actively promoting the use of low carbon vehicles in recent years and the central government outlined its newest incentive program last Autumn, to push for the use of 'new energy' vehicles in 28 pilot cities.

 

According to the program, buyers of electric cars in these cities can receive up to 60,000 yuan (nearly $10,000) in subsidies. Those who purchase hybrid vehicles can get subsidies up to 35,000 yuan. Only locally produced vehicles qualify for the subsidies.

 

Earlier in 2013, the Chinese government also announced a fund of 4 billion yuan to help manufacturers strengthen new-energy vehicle design, batteries and other related technologies.

 

In 2012, Chinese consumers only bought around 11,000 electric vehicles, out of total vehicle sales of 19.3 million. The country is aiming to have half a million hybrid and electric vehicles on its roads by 2015 and five million by 2020.