(Shanghai May 17, 2012) – According to a story appearing on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s website today, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and Standardization Administration have approved new standards for pure electric vehicles in China. The standards are scheduled to come into effect on July 1 of this year.

The standards were drawn up by a MIIT-led committee, which contained top automobile manufacturers, such as Dongfeng, Chery, Changan and SAIC, as well as Tsinghua University, Tongji University and other institutions. The standards are the result of large-scale data collection and rigorous research work. They will be applicable for battery-powered pure EVs seating five or less people. Among the requirements, they call for the minimum 30 minute top speed for EVs to be 80 km/h and a minimum continuous driving distance of 80 km. The standards also emphasize vehicle safety, quality, reliability and performance.

According to the report, a key motivation behind introducing new standards is to help accelerate development in R&D and production for EVs in China, as well as stimulate the industry as a whole.