The city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province has announced that it will have 1,000 electric cars available at 10 car rental stations next year, with a driving range of 150 kilometers with a full charge that can last for four hours.

Local officials made the announcement at an international energy forum recently in Suzhou, which now has 15 charging stations near shopping malls, hotels and bus stops. And the number is expected to reach 80 in near future.

The electric cars are available for 20 yuan ($3) per hour and 150 yuan ($23) for the whole day and can be rented by anyone with a valid Class A to Class C driver's license and it can be done through a mobile app.

E-car charging post in Suzhou. [Photo/ Suzhou Daily]

Edited by Roger Bradshaw