A Breath of Fresh Air for China?

How can we help future generations? Improving our environment and taking all possible steps to reduce pollution and prevent further contamination. A clean and breathable future is the one we should keep in mind for our children and grandchildren. One of the simplest and most effective ways to accomplish this is by driving hybrid or electric cars instead of the many gas powered cars available today. The article China's Push for Hybrid and Electric Cars, But Will Anyone Buy? explains how the Chinese government is pushing for their population of over 1.3 billion to become more active in the hybrid and electric car market. I found this very interesting because it describes why electric or partially electric cars are less realistic and unaffordable for the Chinese people.

China has taken many steps to promote electric cars and make them more practical for everyday consumers. The article claimed the Chinese government had offered "discounts of $8,800 for electric vehicles, $7,350 for PHEVs, and up to $36,750 for fuel cell vehicles." This is definitely a step in the right direction but the cost of the fuel efficient vehicles is still much higher in China. Even with the appealing incentive, the price of the F3DM, a popular electric car in China, is about six thousand dollars more expensive than its competitor, the F3 which is completely gas powered.

Looking to become a bigger competitor in the electric car market, China hopes to "quickly improve quality via collaboration with foreign car makers that have spent decades competing in Western markets." It will take time for this to catch on though. Americans want to make sure these cars are not only green, but safe and reliable. China must start selling these cars widely in their own country before expanding to sell these cars in the U.S.