Nissan seeks to jolt EV sales in country and take about 20 percent of market

Nissan Motor Co, maker of the Leaf electric vehicle, said it hopes to garner 20 percent of electric vehicle sales in China as the central government steps up efforts to cut auto emissions and reduce air pollution.

EV sales in the world's second-largest economy may reach 400,000 vehicles a year by 2018, and Nissan expects to win about a fifth of the market, according to Jun Seki, head of Nissan's China business. Actual demand will depend on the price of the cars, the extent of consumer anxiety about their range and ease of access to charging stations, he said.

China's central and local governments have extended subsidies, exempted EVs from license plate restrictions and pledged to expand the network of charging stations to encourage their adoption. Vice-Premier Ma Kai said last month that buyers of electric cars may be exempted from purchase taxes as part of expanded state measures to bolster their sales.