MIIT releases first batch of recommended NEV models for 2019

SHANGHAI, Feb 15 (SMM) – China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released  this year’s first batch of recommended new energy vehicle (NEVs) models, which included 106 vehicle types from 49 auto companies, according to a statement on MIIT website on Thursday February 14. 

The number of models in the latest release stood lower from the 118 in the first batch in 2018, as fewer electric buses and special vehicles were included. Higher requirements for NEVs and technical constraints of special vehicles weighed on the launch of new models, said Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

In the release, all recommended models of passenger cars have energy density above 120 wh/kg, with types of energy density above 140 wh/kg accounting for 91%. 

The average range of pure electric passenger cars in the latest catalogue also improved significantly, as automakers reduced the production of low-range NEVs, Cui believed. Models with a range above 400 kilometres per charge grew the most.