A new energy vehicle is exhibited at the International Convention and Exhibition Center in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, on April 7, 2018. (File photo: IC)

The countryside is a new growth point for the new energy vehicle market, according to data issued by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers on Thursday.

Companies and models have been expanding: nearly 1.07 million new energy vehicles sold in the countryside in 2021, a year-on-year increase of 169.2 percent and about 10 percent higher than the overall growth rate of the new energy vehicle market.

A countryside energy vehicle campaign was launched in July 2020, including 14 events in eight provinces in two years.

Some 2.66 million new energy vehicles were produced and 2.6 million sold for a new high in the first half of the year.

In May another campaign was launched to promote, produce and sell new energy vehicles in the countryside, with shows and exhibitions targeting China's smallest cities and counties.

Construction of charging and switching facilities is also accompanying the rural electric vehicle promotion.

(Compiled by Wang Jiarui)