U.S. DOE will work with China on large-scale deployment of alternative-power vehicles
Earlier this month, the Department of Energy signed an agreement with China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) that has the potential to play quite a role in the future of greener driving. After all, last year China moved into second place for buying vehicles and third in producing them. According to the DOE, this new five-year agreement binds the partners to "support the large-scale deployment of electric, hybrid-electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles in both countries."
What does that mean, exactly? Lots. "DOE and MOST will focus on advanced batteries, alternating current motor control systems, fast charging batteries, advanced materials for vehicle systems, and vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure. The United States and China plan to conduct information exchanges, joint studies, technology demonstrations, and training sessions through collaborations with national laboratories, automotive industries, and other private industries involved in energy efficient transportation." It'd be easier to remember the green car angles this agreement doesn't cover. Biofuels, for one, but China is working on that , too.
[Source: DOE]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 1:25PM (9/26/2007)
The Chinese don't obey international patent laws.
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Chris M 5:45PM (9/26/2007)
"The Chinese don't obey international patent laws."
True, but that may be changing as the Chinese discover the downsides to copywrite and patent piracy. It inhibits exports, as importers then have to worry about possible violations back home. It may result in retaliatory actions. Worst of all, it inhibits creativity in China - who wants to create something new to sell, only to have it copied by pirates?
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Phil L. 8:34AM (9/27/2007)
As China's industry matures, I'll be curious to see how they handle intellectual property ownership issues.
When your blistering growth rate is based entirely on cheap manufacturing, stealing designs from others is a quick way to bring a product to market. If everybody does it, it must not be a crime ;).
But some Chinese firms are now doing some of their own design work. The ironic realization that the company down the street is doing to them what they did to companies from across the planet will sink in quickly. Mechanisms to protect design investment will need to be put in place to keep peace within China - and help them mature in the global marketplace.
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