A slow charge

• Published 17 Jun 2010

There is little doubt that electric vehicles and automotive batteries will become big industries in China. The big questions are 'when', 'how' and 'are prospects over-hyped'? We set out our sense of how the industry may develop – the winners, losers, pitfalls and timescales.

The latest flurry of interest in electric vehicles (EVs) follows an announcement on June 1 of subsidies for private purchasers of EVs, both those with hybrid electric and fuel engines and those that run purely off electricity. Under the package, pure electrics will be subsidised by Rmb 60,000 ($8,780, €7,166, £5,960), while hybrids are due to receive Rmb 50,000 in five city trials.

China Confidential Funds

China Confidential Funds, a new research service launched by FT China Confidential, is dedicated to illuminating the mainland fund industry. Our team of fund industry experts in Shanghai search out the interesting trends in fund performance, strategy, interactions with overseas funds, regulatory changes, distribution and management. We also use a proprietary system to track the emerging flows of Chinese money. Click here to find out more.

Other Articles on this Issue

• Financial China

  Select financial charts

  Defusing time bombs

• Macro View

  A double dip?

• Funds Data

  China flows hold firm

• The Best of Chinese Commentators

  Convergence of interests

  Uncertainties ahead

• The Big Call

  Trade: a profit-poor boom

• Consumer China

  Healthcare services – breaking free from the state

  Topchoice – the only domestic listed dental clinic

  China Nepstar – hostage to state pricing

  Aier – focusing on eye care

  Sinopharm – good grounding

• Guest Column

  A basket solution

• View issue