The surge in NEV sales in China is the result of a series of factors, including a growing number of models available in the segment, said Zhang Jinhua, secretary-general of the China Society of Automotive Engineers.

He made the remarks during the 2022 World New Energy Vehicle Congress held from Aug 26 to 28 in Beijing and Hainan province.

Statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers show that NEV sales from January to July stood at 3.19 million, up 120 percent from the same period of 2021.

Of them, personal NEVs took the lion's share. Electric and plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles sales totaled 3.03 million by July, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

Zhang said the rising number of NEVs available in the market helped stimulate the sales.

He said carmakers in China launched 33 passenger NEV models in the first half, accounting for 60 percent of all passenger vehicles they launched in the same period.

So far, there are around 300 NEV models in the Chinese passenger vehicle segment, roughly one third of all available models in the segment.

Zhang said the growing recognition of NEVs and the user experience enhanced by smart technologies are major contributors to the burgeoning market as well.

Of NEV buyers in China, 78 percent are private buyers, and 40 percent of NEV models feature Level 2 driving-assist functions, said Zhang.

Also, China's package of favorable moves for new energy vehicles, including exempting NEV purchase taxes for another year, is expected to further ensure the sector's smooth and healthy development, he said.

The tax-exemption policy, which was scheduled to expire by the end of this year, has been extended by one year to 2023.