China lists more NEV models for rural areas

China's ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) has added more new energy vehicle (NEV) models in its campaign to promote the use of NEVs in rural areas.

The second batch of the models includes 36 NEV models from 14 carmakers, including SGMW, BYD and SAIC. The second batch has several commercial vehicles to meet various demand in rural areas.

MIIT launched the campaign in July, with an event in Qingdao city in north China's Shandong province in early August.

Local governments have introduced various stimulate plans to bolster the NEV industry. China's Sichuan government in July announced various measures to support the development of its NEV industry, including rewarding producers and innovation projects.

The domestic NEV market began to recover in the second quarter following disruptions by the Covid-19 outbreak early this year. The country's NEV production and sales in July increased for the first time in 2020 from a year earlier, thanks to a variety of stimulus packages provided by the central and regional governments.

China's association of automobile manufacturers estimates that domestic automotive sales may rise on the year in August on a recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.