Shanghai offering free electric vehicle test drives

From now until the end of time (well, maybe quite not that long), residents of Shanghai, China or, for that matter, anyone willing to venture to China's most populous city, can test drive electric vehicles free of charge, according to English People's Daily Online.

At the opening ceremonies of the China (Shanghai) Electric Vehicle International Pilot City/Demonstration Zone (pdf), Wan Gang, Minister of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, announced that the demo zone will be a site where people from around the globe can test drive alternative fuel vehicles year round. The pilot project's aim is to collect user data in order to assist automakers in manufacturing the vehicles of tomorrow. Additionally, the demo zone will enhance public's awareness of plug-in vehicles and is likely to promote Chinese automakers.

[Source: English People's Daily Online]