Critical issues of energy efficient and new energy vehicles development in China

Energy efficient and new energy vehicles are key measures in addressing Chines energy and environment problems. In terms of the prospect of different technologies, the industrial and academic circles have not reached a consensus yet. In this study, the current situation and future development of main technology pathways in China are discussed. Specifically, internal combustion engines will be simpler in the future as a result of electric motor coupling. Battery electric vehicles are faced with a certain challenges currently and should be adopted in smaller vehicles at first. Hybrid technologies should be considered a significant development stage and should be applied before 2018. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and extended range electric vehicles are different in essence and should be applied based on their original intentions. Fuel cell vehicles are confronted with multiple challenges currently and will probably popularize after 2025.