Government support

According to the latest policy document, the central government will use special bonds issued by local authorities to expand the coverage of charging stations at service areas on highways.

It also set out goals to build more charging stations at government buildings, public institutions, commercial areas and transportation hubs, with steps to expand the network to tourist attractions and gas stations.

The government will encourage NEV manufacturers to further develop their service networks and support vocational schools in efforts to offer maintenance training for NEVs in rural areas, the document said.

Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, said there is still immense potential to promote NEVs in the rural market.

"It is a huge market and represents a major opportunity for automakers. It will also reshape China's consumption structure and lead to more sustainable consumer spending," he said.

Cui highlighted the need to promote the development of home chargers for rural families, in addition to the development of public charging stations.

With the majority of vehicles in rural areas currently powered by fossil fuels, the shift to NEVs would significantly contribute to national green transition goals, he added.

To boost sales of NEVs in rural areas, the policy document pledged to encourage automakers to diversify the supply of their products, and develop cheaper utility vehicles.

Businesses will be offered incentives to promote secondhand NEVs in rural areas, and the government will urge authorities, schools and hospitals in counties and townships to use NEVs.

The use of NEVs for public transportation, law enforcement, sanitation and logistics will also be promoted, the document said.

The government will roll out multifaceted policies to entice rural consumers, including issuing coupons and offering incentives to rural residents to replace their scooters with NEVs, according to the document.

The government will also ensure that financial institutions offer proper loan rates and payment terms for purchasers of NEVs.