US, China Agree to Cooperate on Electric Vehicle Education, Standards and R&D
By John O'Dell November 19, 2009
International agreements between heads of state often are more about politics and posturing than about getting things done. We're hoping this one is the latter.
President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao shook hands over a U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative agreement during the prexy's visit to the Middle Kingdom earlier this week.
Both countries are actively promoting development of electric vehicles (China more so than the U.s., we think - but it is easier when you're a government without effective opposition) and the pact calls for them to to:
- Develop common standards for chargers, plugs and test procedures.
- Identify research and development needs, manufacturing issues and issues related to the introduction and marketing of EVs and prepare a "roadmap" to help vehicle developers keep on top of technology and marketplace evolution.
- Pair select U.S. and Chinese cities for joint demonstrations of EVs and related technologies, with data on charging and vehicle use patterns, grid integration, customer preferences and other useful stuff to be shared.
- Develop and distribute material to boost public awareness and understanding of EV technology.
- Sponsor annual U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Forum meetings, alternating between the two countries (the first was held in Beijing in September, so the U.S. gets the next one).
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