Shanghai (ZXZC)- Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle (NEV) project located in Jiangning District, Nanjing started construction on June 19, according to the notice released by Nanjing Municipal Commission of Economy & Information Technology. Involving RMB 20 billion, the project is planned to reach a production capacity of 240,000 units annually, including a range of pure electric vehicle models, such as high-performance crossover SUV and coupe. The Nanjing-based NEV plant is expected to be put into operation in June, 2020.

It is said that the project is positioned as Changan Automobile's self-owned NEV manufacturing base, which will introduce a high-speed, flexible and wholly-closed autonomous production line, together with an efficient energy-saving concept. The new plant is expected to realize an annual production value of RMB 100 billion.

The project will be built into a significant R&D and manufacturing base for Changan's new energy vehicle products, helping boost the development of green intelligent vehicle industry in Jiangning Development Area.  

On Oct. 19, 2017, Changan initiated its new energy strategy dubbed "Mission of Shangri-La", saying the automaker will finish building up three NEV-exclusive platforms and end sales of traditional fuel-powered vehicles by 2025.

Statistics showed that Changan delivered 61,237 NEVs in 2017, almost doubling its sales in 2016. The deliveries of the Benben EV, Changan's EV sales driver, reached 12,923 units. It is said that Changan will launch at least one compact plug-in hybrid SUV model and a pure electric MPV model in 2018.