Beijing to promote the use of new energy automobiles

In an attempt to improve air quality, Beijing is going to promote the use of new energy automobiles.

Beijing will raise its automobile emission standards on Feb 1, making them the strictest in the nation in a move to reduce auto pollution by 40 percent.

To meet the stricter emission standards, automobiles must be equipped with a fuel particulate filter, which also requires a higher standard of fuel that has a sulfur content of no more than 50 ppm. Otherwise, the filter will be damaged and cause the vehicle to break down.

Around 1,300 vehicle models have met the stricter emission standards as of Jan 23. A greater variety will hit the market to meet the increasing demand.

With wider use of new energy automobiles, emissions of nitrogen monoxide will be greatly reduced. In addition, the concentration of PM2.5, or particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, will also decrease.

It's a good thing that the government continually raises the quality of fuel and reduces the intensity of lead and sulfur, as well as other chemicals that might pollute the air.