Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region hopes to introduce 100,000 low-cost electric vehicles in its southern and eastern parts by 2020, said local authorities.

The scheme will cover prefectures of Aksu, Kashgar, Hotan and Kizilsu Kirgiz in southern Xinjiang, as well as Turpan and Hami cities in eastern Xinjiang, said Zhao Shengcheng with the regional commission of economy and information technology.

Zhao said the electric motor vehicles, with price tags of between 30,000 to 50,000 yuan ($4,600 to $7,700), are affordable in those areas and can run for about 15 km on one yuan ($0.15), with a maximum speed of of 70 km per hour.

Electric two- and three-wheelers are popular in the areas concerned.

The plan is part of a larger program in Xinjiang to ensure that at least 50 percent of new vehicles in pilot areas are powered by electricity.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2016)