A model of Hafei Auto Group's Saibao series car is shown in this undated photo. [File Photo: pcauto.com.cn]

A new model of electric car joint-developed by China's Tianjin Qingyuan Electric Vehicle Company and Hafei Auto Group recently passed Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)'s 40mph frontal offset impact test. This is the first time a Chinese electric vehicle has passed the test, Xinhuanet.com reported on Friday.

The model, named Saibao, scored US-NCAP (United States New Car Assessment Program) 4 stars. Injury measures on all body regions of the test dummy fell well within the safety limits, and the car's high-voltage electric engine as well as all the other key electric assemblies remained untouched after the crash.

U.S.-based IIHS's 40mph frontal offset impact test is known as the world's strictest test on new cars. Saibao's excellent performance in the test demonstrates China's ability in developing vehicles that are both eco-friendly and safe.

The development of new energy cars is one of the main projects in China's 11th 5-year plan announced in 2006. Responding to the call, Hafei has been putting more fund in developing alternative energy car models, including cars using electricity. Now that the Saibao model has passed the IIHS test, Hafei's next step is mass-producing it. Xinhuanet.com reports that about 200 Saibao electric cars will make their debut in U.S. in the first half of 2009.

The new Hafei Saibao electric car with lithium-ion batteries can reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h and one charge can last the car for 160 km. The model also supports quick charge.