Beijing motor show: Roewe E1

This is the Roewe E1, an electric concept car which will make production in 2012, and could revolutionise the market with its 30-minute recharge time.

The car is a one-box design to maximise interior space. It is a three-door four-seater and weighs less than 1040kg. It has a top speed of 75mph, range of 88 miles and hits 31mph in less than 5.5sec and 62mph in less than 16sec.

The batteries are lithium iron phosphate and - crucially - an 80 per cent recharge is possible within 30 minutes.

The announcement of the E1 is particularly significant as it means SAIC, China's largest car maker, has now set the earliest launch date of a mass-produced all-electric vehicle of any Chinese brand.