Industry News
Chinese Development Commission consults on planned alternative fuel vehicle regulations
9th March 2007
The Chinese government is to frame new regulations on the production of alternative fuel vehicles to foster their successful development domestically. The country’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) published on its website on 7 March a draft regulation on managing the production of alternative energy vehicles and called for suggestions and comments concerning hybrid-electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles (including vehicles on solar energy), fuel cell electric vehicles, etc.
Prototypes will only be allowed to operate in approved areas, and series production of ‘more sophisticated’ products will be allowed for sale in approved areas. Only the most ‘sophisticated’ products will enjoy the same production, sale, and use status as conventional vehicles.
Firms need to obtain permission from the NDRC before beginning alternative fuel vehicle production, and the NDRC will have its say in determining the level of sophistication of the alternative energy technologies used, according to the draft.
Source: Xinhua agency/People’s Daily, 9 March)
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