Photo: Catalin Garmacea
The Chinese government is adopting a strong, unbent policy when it comes to electric and plug-in vehicles, and foreign carmakers have no other choice than play along.
High pollution levels in China forced the government to approve a series of measures what will hopefully make an impact sooner rather than later. Included in this set of rules is a strategy that encourages both foreign and local carmakers to build cars on the mainland, but not just any models. We're talking EVs and PHEVs here.
As a result, the car industry's crème de la crème will be launching dedicated EVs and PHEVs in China, aided by joint ventures with local brands, Bloomberg reports.
This means the Chinese market will be literally invaded by around 40 new green cars this year, a staggering number even for the world's largest car market. If this number raises eyebrows for you, you'll want to hear what analysts have to say about it.
Funny thing, some think that automakers are only trying to get on the good side with Chinese authorities with EV and PHEV launches. Wondering what's the stake? Well, it has a lot to do with building factories in China.
Now, if you remember Toyota's eco efforts being redirected towards fuel cell technology with the Mirai, consider this: they are introducing the Leahead and Ranz all-electric brands with their Chinese partners. Therefore, China will be the only place in the world where you'll be able to buy an EV built by Toyota.
China also wants 5 million EVs and PHEVs on its roads until 2020, but even considering the upcoming green-car injection, that's a hard-to-get figure.
As a result, the car industry's crème de la crème will be launching dedicated EVs and PHEVs in China, aided by joint ventures with local brands, Bloomberg reports.
This means the Chinese market will be literally invaded by around 40 new green cars this year, a staggering number even for the world's largest car market. If this number raises eyebrows for you, you'll want to hear what analysts have to say about it.
Funny thing, some think that automakers are only trying to get on the good side with Chinese authorities with EV and PHEV launches. Wondering what's the stake? Well, it has a lot to do with building factories in China.
Now, if you remember Toyota's eco efforts being redirected towards fuel cell technology with the Mirai, consider this: they are introducing the Leahead and Ranz all-electric brands with their Chinese partners. Therefore, China will be the only place in the world where you'll be able to buy an EV built by Toyota.
China also wants 5 million EVs and PHEVs on its roads until 2020, but even considering the upcoming green-car injection, that's a hard-to-get figure.
Google News