New energy vehicles -- especially electric vehicles -- are going to be promoted for use in Beijing's public transportation system in a bid to curb air pollution and traffic congestion, said Xu Heyi, chairman of the Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group), one of China's largest auto makers, at a group meeting during the first session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee held on Wednesday.

Xu Heyi, a deputy to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) and chairman of the Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group). [File photo]

Air pollution is a growing concern among the public in recent months. New energy vehicles including electric power vehicles are to be promoted for use in Beijing's public transportation system. A new policy focusing on green public transportation is expected to be introduced in the near future, Xu said.

New energy vehicles cover many fields including buses, sanitation trucks, taxis, government cars and logistic-supply fleets, and battery charging stations will be available throughout the city, he said. There is still no definitive schedule in providing electric vehicle charging stations to the general public at this point.

In the past three years, BAIC Group has set up two R&D bases located at Daxing and Changping districts in suburban Beijing, with an annual production of 40,000 new energy vehicles at present, Xu added.