(Yicai Global) Aug. 4 -- China’s commerce ministry has called on Chinese and Russian companies to cooperate on new energy vehicle infrastructure, following Russia’s rollout of a number of policies to support the new energy car industry.

The ministry said Russia intends to increase natural gas consumption in its auto sector to 2.7 billion cubic meters by 2024. The Russian government also plans to allocate RUB65 billion (USD1 billion) every year to develop autonomous driving, hybrid and electric technologies.

In addition, Russia is offering lump-sum subsidies for customers buying natural gas vehicles. Customers buying Lada natural gas cars, for example, will get a subsidy equivalent to about 10 percent of the total cost of the vehicle. Buyers of environmentally friendly autos including electric cars can also get subsidized loans.

The ministry suggested Chinese companies should cooperate with Russian firms in various areas, including construction of charging facilities, improvement of pipeline networks, and optimization of dispatching and distribution.

Editor: Tom Litting