The “Ten cities, thousand vehicles” plan

In 2008, China’s automotive industry faced a huge challenge due to the global economic crisis. Within a year, The global crude oil price rose to a historical high, from USD 72.34/barrel to USD 147.27/barrel. In response, the government accelerated the publication of new energy vehicle (NEV) regulations to help ensure energy security.

In 2009, China’s State Council issued the Adjustment and Revitalization Plan for the automotive industry, setting a target of having 500,000 pure electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles nationwide by 2012. Concurrently, EVs were expected to account for 5% of NEV.

To promote the use of NEVs and ensure goals were met, the Chinese government implemented the “Te