Abstract: Three types of low-carbon vehicle technologies in China are reviewed. Potential energy-saving effects are listed for those integrated energy-saving technologies for conventional vehicles. Low-carbon transitions, including alternative vehicle powertrain systems and fuels, are discussed on their development status and trends, including the life-cycle primary fossil energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of each pathway. To further support the low-carbon vehicle technologies development, integrated policies should seek to 1) employ those integrated energy-saving technologies; 2) apply hybrid electric technology; 3) commercialize electric vehicles through battery technology innovation; 4) support fuel cell buses and hydrogen technology R&D for future potential applications; 5) boost the R&D of second generation biofuel technology; and 6) conduct further research on applying low-carbon technologies including CO₂ capture and storage technology to coal-based transportation solutions.

Key words: low carbon, vehicle technology, greenhouse gas, China