US, China Announce Electric Vehicles Initiative

US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao have just announced the launch of a U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative. The initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles in order to reduce oil dependence, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and promote economic growth. According to the White House, activities under the initiative will include:

Joint standards development, including product and testing standards. Each country currently has extensive literature and data on its own standards.

Joint demonstrations, linking more than a dozen cities to collect and share data on charging patterns, driving experiences, grid integration, consumer preferences and other topics.

A joint technical roadmap to identify R&D needs as well as issues related to the manufacture, introduction and use of electric vehicles.

Public awareness and engagement to improve public understanding of electric vehicle technologies, including an annual forum.

Working towards common standards is expected to help facilitate rapid deployment of electric vehicles in both countries. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have generated signficant interest, particularly after an investment in BYD from Warren Buffett. A number of Chinese companies are looking to enter the US market within the next two years. Meanwhile, US companies like Tesla Motors are pursuing an aggressive growth strategy focused on the domestic and European markets.

For more on the electric vehicle initiative and other news pertaining to U.S.-Chinese energy collaboration, click here.

Comments

[hybrid battery]

I read this topic in great interest, sounds very interesting for me. I hope that this cooperation could be implemented by other countries. I thank you for posting such awesome information.