China’s first-half output and sales of alternative-fuel vehicles exceeded the full-year figures for 2013, according to the latest statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Production rose 230 percent year-on-year to 20,692 vehicles, while sales were up 220 percent to 20,477 in the first half of 2014.

“The output and sales this year are expected to be over 50,000, which will be three times of the figures of the last year,” said Dong Yang, secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Dong also said recent preferential policies targeting new-energy cars, including purchase tax exemptions, are expected to boost the sales of environmentally friendly vehicles.

From Sept 1 to the end of 2017, buyers will get purchase tax exemptions if they buy new-energy vehicles such as fully electric, hybrid and fuel-cell cars.

The central government will compile a list of new-energy vehicle models eligible for subsidies, in order to break local protectionism, the State Council said on July 21.

And the National Development and Reform Commission announced on July 30 a favorable pricing system for electric vehicle recharging stations and household charging outlets.

“In recent years, the authorities have launched a series of favorable policies and measures to encourage the use of new-energy cars and promote the development of the industry. And they have greatly pushed forward the commercialization process of new-energy vehicles,” said Su Bo, vice-minister of industry and information technology.

The country has included 88 cities in a pilot program aiming to put more new-energy vehicles onto the road, and central and local governments will provide financial subsidies for those cities.

Su said he hopes measures — such as supporting private capital to take part in the construction of facilities for battery recharging of electric vehicles, and relaxing restrictions on access for companies wishing to produce new-energy vehicles — will break down the barriers to the development of new energy cars.