Among various types of new energy vehicles, only hybrids are ready to be put into commercial use, said Miao Wei, vice minister of Industry and Information Technology, in a recent interview with Autobiz Review, a Beijing-based industry publication.

Miao was formerly president of Dongfeng Motor Corp., a major state-owned automaker. He is considered the most influential figure in China's auto industry.

"Down the road are electric vehicles which have various types. In the longer term it should be fuel cell vehicles that will offer the ultimate solution to the problem [of energy consumption and emission reduction]. This is roughly the direction," Miao was cited as saying.

Although many domestic Chinese automakers claim to have developed their own hybrids and electric vehicles, China still lags behind Japan in new energy vehicle development, especially in the area of battery technology, Miao told Autobiz Review.

Chinese media have reported that Miao's ministry disagrees with the Ministry of Science and Technology on the direction of new energy vehicle development in China.

Led by Wan Gang, a former senior engineer at Audi AG, the Ministry of Science and Technology plays a powerful role in setting the technology path for automotive technology development in China.

Nonetheless, Miao said in the interview he and Wan are in full agreement on the issue.

Miao also said adopting and assimilating foreign technologies is conducive to the development of new energy vehicles in China.

"In the process of developing new energy vehicles], we should encourage independent innovation, but independent innovation does not mean a downright rejection of advanced foreign technologies,"he was quoted as saying.