Chinese drivers are somewhat resistant to electric cars, despite the intense popularity of reducing carbon footprint shared by many countries worldwide, especially the United States.
The Beijing Auto Show featured the Denza electric car which will sell at the price equivalent to $59,100 USD. Sales of the Denza will start in September.
Denza is German and Chinese inspired, as it contains elements of both German and Chinese green efficiency engineering principles. In fact, Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation) signed a $1.4 billion-dollar-deal in late March to expand the partnership, and improve engines of select Mercedes Benz models, according to IndustryWeek online.
Unfortunately, Chinese consumers aren’t as excited with China’s giant upcoming economical advance. They raise an issue of the need for a stronger and more efficient battery-charging infrastructure in their communities.
According to CNN, the Chinese government aims to have at most five million electric cars on the road by 2020. By doing this, the Chinese will significantly improve their air quality and further advance in their constant efforts to reduce carbon footprint.
With young drivers setting out on the road, factors such as style, affordability, and convenience need to be considered. Drivers have addressed the importance of keeping their daily nine-to-five routines, and earnestly question whether driving an electric vehicle will slow them down.
Charging stations, of course, will be a must for Denza drivers; another issue raised by Chinese consumers. To address this issue, Tesla promised to build hundreds of charging stations. With the prospect of that effort, China’s green economy will be advanced beyond what it hopes to have by 2020.
Sarina deSousa
Business Manager
sdesousa2@ucmerced.edu