Chinese “father of electric vehicles” calls for expanding their use

Wan Gang, Chinese adviser on industrial policy and “father of the electric vehicles”said that the efficiency of the batteries, the improvement of the architecture of the cars and the intelligent driving systems are fundamental for the development of the electromobility.

Wan, president of the World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC) in Munich, said hydrogen-powered fuel cell and hybrid vehicles are an essential part of the transition to low-carbon mobility.

“Many of you are curious about the Chinese point of view on piles of fuel (…) hydrogen is an important component of the national energy system”, he said, as the technology holds particular promise for reducing emissions from commercial vehicles.

“We have to promote the entire supply chain of low carbon development”he added.

Chinese state media often refer to the former science minister as the “father of electric vehicles” for his role in urging the Chinese government to invest heavily in low-emission vehicles.

After 15 years in Germany studying and working at Audi, Wan returned to China in 2000 to lead a government initiative to develop the electric vehicle market.

The experience in GermanyIt helped me understand how companies achieved technological innovations and their application”, Wan said, addressing top auto executives and German industry officials at the opening of the WNEVC.

The decision to hold the WNEVC in Munich, the first time abroad, is seen as symbolic of the Chinese electric vehicle industry’s intention to expand across Europe, challenging local manufacturers who started investing in electrification later.

However, Chinese EV makers at the Munich conference said they were interested in collaborating with German industries, leveraging their scale, brand name and investments to cut costs and survive in a competitive market teeming with newcomers.

Source: Reuters