Chinese five-year plan to see expansion of EVs

Plan will focus on uptake beyond the largest and wealthiest cities, so consumption of petrol and diesel may peak mid-decade

China’s economic agenda for this year suggests the world’s biggest market for electric vehicles (EVs) will focus on driving greater uptake in smaller cities while building infrastructure to ease consumer concerns about range anxiety. EV-friendly policies for 2021, announced by Premier Li Keqiang last Friday in the Chinese government’s annual work report, included adding more charging facilities and abolishing “unreasonable restrictions” on the sale of used vehicles. More car parks and battery-swapping facilities will be built, while battery recycling systems will be developed at a faster pace, as part of efforts to promote wider use of EVs, said Li. EVs have formed a critical part of B