The central government decided on July 9 to exempt the 10-percent purchase tax for electric cars. But the symbolic action is far from enough to make the new energy car popular among Chinese consumers, says an article of China Business News. Excerpts:

President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang talked about bilateral cooperation in electric cars recently with South Korean and German leaders respectively.

The sale of electronic cars in China is expected to rise from 18,000 last year to 200,000 in 2015.

But three obstacles remain. First, the technology of the new energy cars is not as mature as automobiles that use fuel. Second, there are not enough electric stations around the country. Third, the price of the new energy cars is still higher than conventional gas cars.

As a result, the Chinese government needs to do more to solve these problems. Government officials can set an example by using electric cars. The government should also reduce the costs of building electric stations.

China will become one of the largest electric car markets in the world. Quality and industrial authorities should draw up national standards for all industries relevant to the new energy cars and strengthen their supervision to ensure healthy development of the new industry and protect consumers’ rights.