More than 60,000 electric vehicles were produced in China in the first quarter this year and about 58,000 units were sold. Both numbers doubled from a year ago.

Plug-in electric vehicles accounted for 73 percent of the total sales. The remainder were plug-in hybrids.

China has issued new measures to support the manufacturers of electric vehicles. The State Council will promote coordinated battery research between businesses and academies. The government also will encourage the construction of more charging poles to improve infrastructure for electric vehicles.

More electric vehicles will be used for public transportation, urban sanitation and logistics. The government also will upgrade the existing regulatory framework to urge manufacturers to improve the quality of electricity-powered cars.