(Photo/Chinanews.com)

China should facilitate the development of its new energy vehicle (NEV) industry in an all-round manner to retain a competitive edge, said experts.

It is a consensus that China is leading the way when it comes to NEV development. Chinese automakers sold nearly 1.3 million NEVs last year, accounting for 4.5 percent of total vehicle sales in the country, and over half of the 2.1 million plug-in vehicles sold globally.

However, safety concerns and declining subsidies of NEVs are casting a shadow over the prospering industry, and a series of problems need to be addressed.

"Battery, range, safety, cost and access to chargers all affect consumer confidence," said Zhu Huarong, president of Chinese automaker Chang' an Auto, at the recent 2019 World New Energy Vehicles Congress.

Regarding a series of recent electric vehicles fires, board chairman of China's leading auto firm FAW Group Xu Liuping noted at the congress that these accidents might panic consumers if not handled well, and in turn, may further hinder the development of the industry.

"Safety is a key issue and the premise for healthy and sustainable development of NEVs," said Xu, adding that enterprises should attach high importance to this matter and respond to social concerns, in a bid to avoid a possible butterfly effect.

According to Xu, China's related departments have already set standards on power batteries, motors and charging, but it is also urgent to create safety standards.

China's NEV industry is experiencing a transition from policy-oriented to market-oriented. As subsidies decline and come to an end next year, the NEV market is expected to encounter turbulence.

Only when market demand becomes the dominant power of industry development can China's auto industry build a foundation of sustainable development and compete with global peers, said Chen Zhixin, president of SAIC Motor.

Though the industry is facing problems, they are not causing big trouble for automakers. On the contrary, many auto firms are still optimistic about the future of the NEV market.

Wang Chuanfu, chairman of Chinese electric carmaker BYD, noted that the NEV industry may face short-term pressure but will see a sound development trend, and opportunities will continue to outrun challenges.

Wan Gang, vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), suggested that China make new plans for industry development, so as to promote sustained NEV innovation in the country.