Automakers are exploring new strategies to break into China's electric vehicle (EV) market. For instance, BMW Group debuted its innovative EV, the i3, simultaneously in Beijing, New York and London at the end of July. Meanwhile, domestic car manufacturer Geely Automobile Holdings announced in May that it would speed up expansion of its EV business.

The potential of China's electric car market is still huge, even though only 12,791 EVs were sold in the country last year.

There are still several factors restraining the development of EVs in China; including the high cost of batteries, lack of charging stations and local consumer habits.

"Range anxiety" is often seen as the biggest factor hindering EV sales abroad. There is also much data suggesting that this same concern is deflating EV shipments here in China. The first big challenge for China should be developing standardized recharging stations suitable for use with all EV makes and models.

Based on a commentary by the China Business Herald.

China Business Herald