Has China done something that will change the world?

China, one of the largest polluters in the world, has done something for the environment that no country has done before.

According to Bloomberg news, this week the Chinese government announced a mandate that will see at least 30% of the central agency vehicles alternative energy by 2016. This 30% will include battery electric, hybrid plug-in and fuel cell cars made by all of the big auto manufacturers we know and use every day.

The Chinese government will also begin an incentive package for alternative energy vehicles including things like waiving the customary 10% purchase tax for alternative energy vehicles, rebates on servicing, higher frequency of charging stations and increased dedicated parking availability to encourage not only government agencies but the general population to choose these “green” vehicles.

Charging station in London

If the country with the largest population and highest pollution levels introduces an environmental initiative like this, it should encourage other countries all around the world to start thinking seriously about pollution reduction.

But, what does this mean for Australia?

Well, by 2020 this means that 2.5 million Chinese vehicles will be alternative energy… And this means a whole lot of mass-manufacturing of these vehicles that will make them cheaper and more easily available to Australians. And, in further good news, incentives for companies currently manufacturing cars in China are set to increase. This means that companies that we already know and love like Toyota (currently manufacturing hybrids in China), Volkswagen and BMW are all likely to put out alternative energy models.

Currently, Australia doesn’t have the facilities for the large use of electric cars as we have no charging stations. In America, the lowest model electric car the Telsa S will set you back $70,000US compared to a standard Camry that will cost you $22,000US. Basically, they aren’t realistically affordable to the average family let alone the average retiree.

Telsa Sedan 

But, if the mass-manufacturing of alternative energy cars begins in China, it won’t be long before we get the provisions for electric cars and then an Australian market starts up at very affordable prices. Basically for one of the first times ever, we’ll save by going green.

If an electric or alternate energy car was available here at an affordable price, would you buy one? Do you think the government should subsidise alternative energy cars? Do you think now that China has done this, the rest of the world will follow? Share your thoughts in the comments below…