China top 10 carmakers to set EV standards

As the electric vehicle (EV) is becoming the auto industry's future trend for energy efficiency and environmental protection, the top 10 carmakers in China have decided to jointly lay out the EV industry standards.

Earlier this week, the 10 auto companies signed the program of action for China's EV industry development. They include SAIC Motor, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor Group, Changan Auto, Guangzhou Auto, Beijing Auto, Sinotruk Group, Brilliance Auto, Chery Auto, and Jianghuai Auto.

These Chinese automakers formed an EV industry alliance in July 2009 in order to clear away obstacles amid the new energy vehicle production and sales. They strive for a combined annual output of 500,000 all-electric vehicles, rechargeable electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Domestic and global automakers are scrambling to launch new electric vehicles in China. Chery Auto has unveiled its first plug-in hybrid the S18, while BYD Auto has launched its F3DM (dual-mode) EV and plans to launch an all-electric crossover, the e6 later this year. Global majors such as BMW, Daimler, Nissan and Toyota have also announced their intention to enter the field. Competition will be intense in China's EV market. China's EV industry is confronted with low R&D capacity and high production costs. However, the government plans to have about 10,000 hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles on the road by 2010.

Source : TheAutoChannel, October 16th, 2009