The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has made it known that the country has agreed to support the development of lithium-ion batteries for full electric and hybrid electric passenger vehicles.The new guidelines are outlined in a governmental released called "Administrative Rules on Entry Access for New Energy Vehicle Manufacturers and Products", effective immediately and run until December of 2010.
The rules specify three distinct stages for developing new energy sources. There are listed as initial, growth and mature.
Initial is dedicated to vehicles and technology in preliminary research and development, not yet viable for commercialization.Growth is technology that is clearly identified and ready for commercialization.Mature is technology that is established and ready or already in mass production.
According to the report, pure electrical driven vehicles using Li-ion batteries are at the growth phase. Any EV utilizing nickel metal hydride cells, zinc-air or super capacitors are at the initial phase. Vehicle technology such as fuel cell, hydrogen and DME are all at the initial stage.
Most hybrid vehicles available or soon to be available in China all utilize Ni-MH batteries. These vehicles include the Chang An Jieuxun, Chery A5, FAW Besturn hybrid, and the Buick LaCrosse. Some hybrid vehicles such as the offering from BYD utilize Li-ion batteries.
All Cars Electric published a statement released by China which says, "Administrative Rules is one of the specific measures undertaken by the Chinese government in support of the development of new energy, especially hybrid and pure-electric vehicles, a national strategy clearly stated in the Automotive Industry Readjustment and Revitalization Plan published by the State Council earlier this year." Our illustration shows the new Chery S18 EV which comes from China’s biggest independent car maker.