The Beijing New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) Technology Innovation Center was launched in "Lan Gu," or "Blue Valley," the headquarter of the BAIC Group's electric car company, Beijing Electric Vehicle Co. (BAIC BJEV), in Yizhuang on Nov. 9.
In 2018, the research center will host test trials, research services and tech-incubator. The center also plans to finish construction on the test bases for batteries, electric motors and finished cars.
The center sets its sights on building into an innovation hub of global influence that focuses on generic and cutting-edge technologies, as well as a platform leading in NEV research, production, service and talent cultivation, according to Wu Zhixin, deputy director of the China Automotive Technology & Research Center. It will also engage in the application of the research findings, the nurturing of high-end professionals as well as financing and investment in the NEV-related technology.
The center will also plan for new innovations including self driving cars and cars with flight or transformation capabilities. It will also focus on key technologies such as electric power technologies, weight reduction technologies and smart car technologies.
The center plans to establish a first-class system of technological capabilities in NEVs by 2020, and become a world-leading site for NEV technology and application by 2030.
Xu Qiang, director of the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, said it is predicted that the city will have 170,000 NEVs by the end of this year, the most in China. The number of charging piles will exceed 110,000 by the year's end. The range of the BAIC BJEV flagship models will increase from 120 kilometers to 400 kilometers on a single charge.
Xu Heyi, BAIC Group's secretary of the Party committee and chairman, said the company will stop selling gasoline powered vehicles in Beijing by 2020 and in China by 2025.