Helping drivers make switch to electric cars

GUANGZHOU - Despite a slow increase in the domestic sales of electric cars, Chinese buyers are expected to become more willing to drive these alternative-fuel vehicles in the near future, said an industry insider.

"With an affordable and sustainable battery switching model and more favorable government policies, it is easier to persuade Chinese buyers to purchase an electric car," said Idan Ofer, board chairman of Better Place, a global provider of battery-switching stations for electric cars.

China has sought to encourage the development of electric vehicles to promote the use of clean energy, but a genuine increase in sales has yet to come. Potential customers have been left cold by the high cost of electric cars, their small driving range and, particularly, the underdeveloped charging infrastructure.