Beijing smog proves a boon for electric cars

Last week’s smog in Beijing was more likely to have a yellowish tinge than a silver lining but one beneficiary of pollution going off the charts last week has been the electric car market.

Pure-electric car sales rose nearly fivefold to 113,810 units nationwide in the first 10 months of the year, putting China on track to overtake the United States as the largest market for electric cars this year.

Sales are up 10 per cent since the smog, according to dealers, and a series of government subsidies, which can add up to about 100,000 yuan per car (€14,213), has also helped boost the market

The city was under a red alert where cars are allowed on the roads on alternating days depending on odd or even number plate numbers. Electric vehicles are not limited.

Last week the car service Uber launched an electric car service in 13 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

In Beijing, Uber passengers choosing an electric car service will get a 60 per cent discount.

Among the carmakers benefiting are Tesla Motors and Beijing Automotive Group's electric car subsidiary, although many of those inquiring about buying an electric car are doing it over the phone.

"Recently the smog is so serious that people aren't willing to go outside so they call us to ask," Li Hui, owner of several BYD dealerships, told the China Daily. He said inquiries about the firm's e6 pure electric model were up by 8-9 per cent.