As it bids to slash fuel emissions, China has announced that it will subsidise the sales of green vehicles in five cities as part of a pilot programme.

A statement released on the main government website outlined that Beijing would hand out rebates to private car buyers for the first time although no other details were provided.

The subsidies, to be made in five unidentified cities, are expected to offer a boost to Chinese car makers such as BYD Auto. BYD has unveiled several self-developed electric and hybrid cars but, without government support, has so far failed to deliver models such as its F3DM to dealerships.

The pilot scheme from Beijing will also be expanded to subsidise the purchase of clean energy vehicles for public transport fleets in 13-20 cities – again the cities were not named and a timetable was not given.

First unveiled in February, the trial scheme will promote the use of electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles by postal and sanitary services, taxi firms and public transport operators. They will be based on the gap in prices between more energy efficient vehicles and those with traditional engines and are expected to run up to 600,000yuan for fuel cell powered large commercial buses.