China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) recently published modified rules for electric vehicle manufacturing, and is expected to start issuing licenses for EV manufacturing later this year, the Beijing-based Economic Observer reports. Sources said that no more than 10 companies will be eligible to apply for licenses, and the government is likely to award them to just a few.

Under current policy, only existing auto companies may develop electric vehicles, but in order to encourage innovation in new energy cars, the new rules will allow other firms, including auto component suppliers and internet companies, to apply for licenses.

According to the Observer, several component makers are striving to meet the technical requirements stipulated in the rules, and several internet companies have announced plans to move into auto-related businesses are teaming up with automakers to meet the regulatory requirements.

One of these is a video site called LeTV, which has a team of 260 people in the US, and has formed a partnership with Beijing Automotive Group.

Source: Want China Times
Image: Nicolas Raymond