An EV car

The Chinese Government recently stated it wants 5 million electric and hybrid cars on the roads of China by 2020. At the moment this figure seems a long way away, but with gathering interest in the electric vehicle (EV) market, car makers such as Geely and Tesla are focusing on their technological and innovation facilities in order to gain a firm foothold in this growing market.

EVs run on electricity only. They are propelled by one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable battery packs, and have several advantages over vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs). EVs are extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly as they emit no tailpipe (exhaust gas) pollutants.

Since China is currently fighting a "war on pollution" these types of vehicles may prove pivotal. Not only do these environmentally friendly vehicles reduce air pollution, their electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.

Electric cars can use AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) motors. With only a few moving parts, electric motors have greatly reduced maintenance requirements. There is much less wear and tear, no reliance on an oil reservoir and very little that can go wrong.

Charging issues

Although there are many positives coming from EVs, one of the many challenges these vehicles face is battery-related. Most EVs can only go about 100-200 miles before recharging, whereas gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before refuelling. Fully recharging the battery pack can take 4 to 8 hours and even a "quick charge" to 80 percent capacity can take 30 minutes. However, researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight and cost. These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a Chinese automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Hangzhou, China, is at the forefront of innovation when concerning EV batteries.

"With regards to battery technology, Geely will always choose the most responsible suppliers that can meet our own internal requirements regarding product lifespan and its total cost to the environment across its lifespan - from production to end of life and its recyclability," Ashley Sutcliffe, Senior PR Manager at Geely, told ChinAfrica.

Geely is also pushing for environmentally friendly technology with lower fuels costs for customers. "Geely was one of the first Chinese companies to fit its vehicles with stop start technology (Geely GSG System) and is also pushing for wider adoption of duel fuels within China to lower fuel costs for the end consumer and also improve the environment with lower emissions," said Sutcliffe.

Gradual expansion

It will take some time until China can implement a large-scale infrastructure of charging stations to allow customers to travel from city to city. Sutcliffe, however, states that this is already being done without government support.

"Geely and its electric vehicle partner Kandi have created a unique solution to the demands of EV charging infrastructure. Geely and Kandi created a 'Car Dispenser' in the center of Hangzhou where users can rent small electric vehicles for circa 20 yuan ($3.3) per hour," he stated.

"We plan to expand this network to other areas within Hangzhou and eventually to other cities. This solution is already proving to be popular as end users do not need to buy a car and the cost of renting is relatively low, even compared to taxi use," he said. He noted that in other areas the State Grid is rollingout charging facilities for electric vehicle use, although roll out has been relatively slow.

With the projected figure of 5 million cars by 2020 creeping on the horizon, the popularity of EVs is growing, creating a huge market for companies to move in to. Along with Geely, worldwide brands such as BYD and Tesla are also working around the clock on their technology and innovation to ensure the future of EVs is positive while having a positive effect on people and the environment.

Techbyte

China to T est R ecoverable M oon O rbiter

China is preparing for the launch of an experimental recoverable moon orbiter, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence in mid-August.

The launch will take place before the end of this year.The plan is for the orbiter to be launched into lunar orbit and return to Earth at an escape velocity of 11.2 km per second.The orbiter is one of the test models for China's new lunar probe Chang'e-5, which will be tasked with landing on the moon, collecting samples and returning to Earth.