Most automakers asking China to slow down EV mandate

China, the world’s biggest car market, has a mandate that would force automakers to have zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) represent 8% of new car sales as soon as 2018.

That would quickly ramp up to 12% by 2020.

Now the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), which represents Chrysler/Fiat, Ford, and GM, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), which represents all major European automakers, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) are reportedly seeking a slowdown.

WirtschaftsWoche reports the organisations sent a joint letter to China’s minister of industry and information technology to ask for several significant changes.

“Because we have common concerns with the proposed NEV rules, we have joined together to offer, with utmost respect, six recommended modifications that address those concerns while still meeting the goals of those rules and other related policies,” the letter says.

The “six recommended modifications” include slowing the rollout of the mandate by one to three years, reconsidering the penalty system if they don’t meet the quota, and having credits not only for all-electric cars but also plug-in hybrid cars.