Business Tianjin Magazine

In 2010, Tianjin was the latest city added to the Chinese government's pilot program to stimulate the development of new energy vehicles.

The city has since seen progress in terms of vehicle manufacture and adoption.

However, as CRI's Chen Mei reports, the city still faces further scope as well as obstacles to go forward.

Around 580 new energy buses are now on the roads in Tianjin, including hybrids and electric ones.

A passenger embraced the bus with satisfaction.

"It's steadier than the ordinary bus, and it creates lower noise. Also, The seats are more comfortable."

Meantime, vehicle-charging infrastructures have also been improved in the city.

7 charging stations and more than 400 charging posts have been completed, and 50 gas stations are under construction.

On the other hand, significant development is occurring both in the research area of related technology as well as the local manufacturers.

Nankai University, Tianjin Chemical Research & Design Institute, as well as National Electronic Technology Group are focusing on providing solutions on batteries and charging technologies with advanced standards.

As for the manufacturing sector, an integrate industry chain has been formed, with the annual production capacity reaching 20,000.

Liu Gang is a researcher with the Binhai Research Institute of Nankai University.

"Related research and the manufacturing of new energy vehicles, batteries and components in Tianjin is at the leading level nationwide. For example, Tianjin Qingyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd has become the largest producer of electric automobile in China. Besides, Tianjin Faw Toyota Motor and Tianjin Faw Xiali CO.,LTD are also capable of producing electric vehicles."

Recently, the local government has issued a development plan for the 2013-2020 period, pushing to increase ownership of new energy vehicles to 35,000 by 2015, and to double the number by 2020.

The move comes following China's determination to build a "beautiful" China by incorporating ecological progress into the country's overall development plan at the 18th CPC National congress.

But challenges remain, as Hu Yongmei, a director with the Tianjin Municipal Development and Reform Commission, explains.

"New energy vehicles, especially electric vehicles, are too expensive. A traditional bus costs only 500 to 600 thousand yuan, but an EV costs more than 1 million, plus, batteries will cost another 500 thousand yuan. Moreover, the technology needs further improvement before the vehicles can be largely implemented."

The director is also calling for subsidy for private buyers, citing that in the US, the Obama administration promises tax relief equivalent to US$7000 for buyers of hybrid electric automobiles.

Figures in 2012 show that in China, sales volume of PRIUS, a hybrid automobile brand produced by Japanese car maker Toyota, takes up less than one percent of the company's total.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email This

Comments (0) Add Comment

Write comment

< Prev		Next >