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China pushes alternate-fuel vehicles

(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-03-09 09:16

China plans to promote vehicles that run on alternate fuels, according to draft regulations announced last week.

The Xinhua news agency reported last Wednesday that the National Development and Reform Commission published on its Web site a draft regulation on "managing the production of alternative energy vehicles and called for suggestions and comments."

Vehicles included are hybrid-electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, including those that work on solar energy, and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

According to the draft, prototypes can be operated in approved areas; more sophisticated products can be produced in batches for sale only in approved areas; and the most-sophisticated products will have the same status as regular autos.

Firms must obtain the commission's permission before beginning production, the draft says.