A new energy vehicle using a charging facility in Dongsishitiao Hutong. China has pushed for an increased number of purchases of such vehicles for government use. (Photo : Twitter)

The Chinese government has announced plans to increase the number of new energy vehicles (NEV) purchased by departments in a bid to move to "greener" modes of transport.



In a statement released on Wednesday, the State Council said that new energy vehicles should be 50 percent of government offices', public institutions' and city departments' yearly vehicle purchases.




The council, headed by Premier Li Keqiang, said the decision was made as part of the country's effort to combat pollution and boost the development of green technology, China Daily reported.



This is the second time the government has raised the ratio of NEV purchases in just a few months. In July last year, officials set the ratio to 30 percent.



However, the statement did not say when the new policy is set to take effect.



Since 2014, China has enacted various measures to promote the shift to NEVs by the general public. Such measures include tax exemptions and subsidies for purchases.



According to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the number of purchases for such vehicles has increased significantly in the last few years, thanks to the measures, with 2015 alone registering 331,000 units sold.



The council also revealed plans to build more battery charging stations to accommodate the expected increase in the number of electric vehicles plying the roads, with additional investment and subsidies to be given to the sector.



Additionally, China hopes to encourage cooperative efforts by universities, companies and research institutes in the developing improved battery technologies for NEVs, Shanghai Daily reported.



However, concerns were raised about the impact of the increased number of electric vehicles on the country's air quality, with these vehicles likely increasing electricity demands coming from coal-fired plants and contributing to worsened smog.



China plans to switch its power grids to clean and renewable fuel sources as part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 60 percent in 2020.

