New measures coming to promote new-energy vehicle, 5G

China’s new-energy vehicle industry and 5G development have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, and the government is pushing forward new measures to boost the evolution of the two fields, according to Miao Wei, China’s Minister for Industry and Information Technology.

“We have to admit that some fields were affected by the pandemic,” Miao said at a press conference on Monday held via 5G-based video conference at the Great Hall of the People.

“The construction of 5G network was slowed down by the pandemic. But telecom companies are trying hard to catch up with their original plan,” Miao said.

“Every week, we see 10,000 additional 5G base stations being built. And every month, we see 7 million additional 5G users across the country,” he added.

On the real-world use of 5G, Miao listed three examples to affirm his point that 5G is useful.

First, 5G remote diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic; second, the video chat tech used by Miao during the press conference; third, connecting representatives to reporters during the Two Sessions.

The ministry has also come up with measures to ease COVID-19 effects on the NEV industry, including extending tax exemption and subsidies until 2022. Electric cars like Tesla Model 3 are sold at a lower price in China. The market for locally designed NEVs has also boomed since 2014.

“The production output of NEVs in April matches that of last April,” Miao said.

On the supply end, the government will cut some red tapes and allow more OEM companies to enter the market. Switching from fossil fuel vehicles to NEVs in the public service — like law enforcement, logistics and garbage trucks — will be encouraged.

On the user end, the government will provide support to recharge station builders.