China mandates electric-car quotas for government fleets

China announced on Sunday that 30% of new government vehicles will be powered by new energy by 2016, while 15% of new government vehicles in Beijing and the Pearl River Delta will use alternative energy sources this year, Bloomberg reported, citing an official statement. The plan offers subsidies for new-energy vehicles costing below RMB180,000 (US$29,000). Additionally, public institutions will be required to add parking spaces for alternative-energy vehicles and ensure adequate charging facilities. China’s leaders are intensifying an ongoing “war” on pollution, and have identified electric vehicles as a strategic industry to help China gain global leadership, reduce energy dependence and cut emissions.