(Yicai Global) Nov. 13 -- The Chinese government should start making national strategic plans for developing new energy vehicles for 2035, Wan Gang, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said on Nov. 9 at a symposium on promoting the sector's healthy development.

Wan also sought clarification on the development model and policy support, and route diagrams for car electrification, which vary based on categories and regions.

Wan, who was science and technology minister between 2007 and this March, is now the chairman of China Zhigong Party and the China Association for Science and Technology.

Electric and fuel cell vehicles have their own advantages. Given the extensive market demand for long-distance buses, double-shift taxis, urban logistics and long-distance transport, the industry's focus should be expanded to fuel-cell vehicles. Firms and affordable places should be encouraged to carry out a pilot commercial operation and achieve electrification for the entire automotive product spectrum, he said.

Building infrastructure for charging is the key to facilitate electric vehicle use. Local governments should be encouraged to boldly innovate on energy prices, construction land, business modes, and accelerate the market-oriented construction and operation of various infrastructure. Local authorities should also issue policies to force property management firms in residential communities to install charging poles, Wan added.

Building hydrogen energy infrastructure is more difficult. Related departments should learn from the West's experience to identify hydrogen as energy rather than as a hazardous chemical, and break down the barriers in standard detection and market access that restrict the development of hydrogen energy and FCVs, while making the latest development plans, he said.