China is undergoing a boom in new-energy vehicles, with the combined production volume of alternative- fuel vehicles during the first two months of the year surging to 11,900 units, five times higher than in the same period of 2014.

According to China Daily, 4,137 pure electric passenger vehicles rolled off the production line during the two months, four times that of the same period last year.

With vehicle exhaust responsible for 30 per cent of pollution in smoggy Beijing, it’s no surprise that the government is hoping to encourage this trend. Beijing wants to build on this public interest to boost the number of electric, hybrid and other alternative-fuel-powered vehicles used for public transport.

Sales of alternative-fuel vehicles have been boosted by tax breaks and other incentives, with the government also making it easier for electric-vehicle owners to get a number plate in the lottery to issue plates.

Production of plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles hit a record of 3,969 units, five times higher than in the same period last year, while production of pure electric and plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles hit 2,170 units and 1,583 units, up nine and three times from the first two months last year.