China has joined Europe in leading the momentous shift towards electric vehicles. The rate of growth in electric vehicle is likely to surge in 2017 as China and Europe institute stricter emission rules to safeguard the environment.

China is currently dealing with crippling levels of pollution and has taken a number of steps to remedy the situation. These steps include turning away from fossil fuels, such as coal and developing renewable sources of energy, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

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Similarly, Europe has also offered a wide range of incentives in the form of tax breaks and subsidies to promote the use of electric vehicles.

China is aiming to have five million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2020 and promoting the production of these environment friendly vehicles. Many budget electric vehicles produced in China are ready to give strong competition to western behemoth such as Tesla.

China's leading automaker BYD is a pioneer in this area. The company sold $12.3 billion worth of vehicles last year, up 37 percent from the previous year. Another Chinese company GAC is also receiving attention for its foray into the market.

GAC displayed its cars in the NAIAS 2017, where they received a largely positive repsonse. The company is looking to sell its cars in the US as well.

China is also already selling electric buses globally including to places like Africa, Europe, and South America. With their more utilitarian features and relatively lower prices, Chinese electric vehicles are fast gaining recognition.

TagsElectric Vehicles, BYD, GAC