‘What is China?’ Electric vehicles hold potential to reduce emissions

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As China’s smog continues to bother its citizens, the country has seen an increase in environmental friendly cars both for rental and sale. More parking spaces are being built for the upward trend in Beijing, and charging services are set to be provided at the lots.

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Beijing is one of many Chinese cities actively promoting the use of electric vehicles, aiming to achieve the goal of cutting vehicle emissions.

Experts have identified an inability to recharge batteries as one of the biggest challenges preventing potential buyers from purchasing electric vehicles. CGTN has spoken to Dai Kangwei, director of research at the Beijing Electric Vehicle Company, who said she is working on a battery replacement program, so consumers in the future won’t need to charge batteries, but can replace them instead.

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"We aim to switch the battery for an EV (electric vehicle) in less than three minutes. The EV can accept up to 10,000 charges. If it works as planned, drivers would no longer have to wait hours to recharge. We are currently setting up replacement stations, and will put 4,000 such EV taxis on the road in 2017," said Dai.

For more on how Beijing plans to promote the use of electric vehicles in a bid to protect its environment, watch the latest episode of "What Is China?", as our reporter Zhang Nini speaks with owners, manufacturers, and experts to find out just how effective these electric vehicles can be.