Liu Lunan/China Daily

By the end of last year, regulators had issued policies for supporting the development and application of new-energy vehicles between 2016 and 2020.

In Shanghai alone, more than 8,500 electric vehicles were sold by the end of November 2014.

Chang Xianghui, a Shanghai-based car dealer said: "Lower fuel costs and incentives are prompting many consumers to choose e-vehicles, as many consider long-term fuel costs while making purchases."

E-vehicle owners said they also expect companies to set up more charging stations and also provide better after-sales service.

Sun Taoli, an e-vehicle owner in Shanghai said: "I can find several charging stations in Shanghai. But sometimes when I travel to other provinces it is quite difficult to find such facilities."