Chinese lawmakers are planning to finish this year the drafting of a new policy that will allow vehicle manufacturers to make electric automobiles.
According Wu Wei, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission, the mandate to support automakers in manufacturing new-energy vehicles came from the cabinet.
Wu said that companies who wish to qualify will need to have the resources to develop and create new-energy automobiles.
"The aim is to allow market forces to generate a significant push in development," said Wu at a forum in Beijing.
Once the new policy is enacted, it would give companies like the Wanxiang Group Corp. permission to produce electric cars in China and compete with foreign ones like Tesla Motors Inc. and BYD Co.
Meanwhile, electric vehicles are being promoted in the country in order to resolve air pollution and lessen the country's imported fuel consumption. However, electric car sales have not been reaching targets set by the government.
The China Automotive Technology and Research Center suggested to the Chinese government that other companies besides automakers should be allowed to manufacture electric vehicles. As per current policy, non-automakers are obligated to purchase a carmaker first to get the required manufacturing license.
Wu added that while the draft on electric-car manufacturing is being finalized, another policy that will regulate the entrance of vehicle-battery makers is being amended by the Ministry of Information and Technology.