Hefei eyes 1-million-unit NEV capacity by 2025

Hefei, the capital of Anhui province, aims to lift its new energy vehicle (NEV) capacity to 1 million units and generate an output value of NEV industry exceeding 100 billion yuan ($15.187 billion) by 2025, according to a document issued by Hefei municipal government earlier this month.

By 2025, the development of NEVs and core technologies related to power batteries, electric drive motor and car-mounted system should reach the world leading level. Highly automated ICVs (intelligent-connected vehicles) should be applied in specific regions and scenarios for commercial applications, and the integrated development of NEVs, transport, energy and information communications systems should be achieved then, according to the document.

In addition, Hefei government will support such local automakers as JAC Motors, NIO, JAC Volkswagen, Ankai and Hefei Changan in stepping up the construction of NEV-related supply chain, innovating in business models like the separation of NEV and batteries, improving brands’ international competitiveness, and fostering industrial leading companies.

Meanwhile, the government will help the suppliers of power batteries, electric drive motors, BMS (battery management system), LiDARs, high-definition maps, autonomous driving system and other components strengthen their supporting capabilities to OEMs, as part of efforts to improve the stability and competency of overall NEV industrial chain.

U.S. EV manufacturer Tesla has recently set up in Hefei a sales service company, which involves a registered capital of 1 million yuan ($152,093,600) and is wholly controlled by Tesla Motors HK Limited.

Leading Chinese EV startup NIO started operation of NIO China's headquarters in Hefei on Oct. 9. The operation of NIO China's headquarters will press ahead with the strategic cooperation between NIO and Hefei. “NIO China will strive to help Hefei's NEV industry engaged in global competition and assist Hefei with building a world-class industrial cluster,” said William Bin Li, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of NIO.