Lanzhou exempts energy-efficient cars from odd-even car ban

Buyers and drivers of energy-efficient cars in the city of Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China's Gansu province, can enjoy an exemption from the odd-even car ban, according to a new regulation released by Lanzhou city's government.

Lanzhou city is working to popularize energy-efficient cars, mainly battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles.

The city has already put 500 energy-efficient taxies on the market this year and basically completed construction of supporting facilities such as charging stations.

The number of electric taxies is expected to reach 3,500 by 2017, along with charging stations covering a total of 42,000 square meters, according to Lanzhou city’s government.

Lanzhou also plans to spend two years making 200 electric buses available in the city, with a 237 million yuan ($37.09 million) investment. So far, 80 energy-efficient buses have been put into operation, and supporting facilities such as charging stations and plants will be finished by the end of this year.

In order to encourage locals to buy energy-efficient cars, the Lanzhou government issued a series of supportive policies. For example, buyers and drivers have the exemption from the odd-even car ban, their parking fees are halved, and the electricity price charged to them is in line with the industrial electricity price standard.

Lanzhou has implemented the odd-even car ban, which refers to alternate driving days for cars with even-and odd-numbered license plates. The measure is expected to ease traffic jams and reduce air pollution.

Edited by Peter Nordlinger