There are currently over 10,000 electric vehicles currently operating in China, gmw.cn reported today. Chen Qingquan, chairman of the World Electric Vehicle Association and scholar at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, predicts that that number will reach 500,000 by 2015 and double to 1 million by 2020. “[At that time], zero emission vehicles will take up 7 percent to 12 percent of the domestic automobile market,” he added.

“China already has relatively good electric vehicles, [as well as] a very good foundation and business model,” Mr. Chen stated, adding that the key to develop the market would be to pair it with the electric battery industry, as well as establish a comprehensive EV network. He added that the supply chain for electric vehicles is vastly different from traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Mr. Chen believes that with the help of the government, electric vehicles in China would replace other vehicles the same way digital cameras and mobile phones have taken over their industries.

BYD K9 Electric Bus: