Annual sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in China will reach only 45,000 units by 2015, increasing to 152,000 vehicles in 2017, according to a report from Pike Research.
The report found that the figure represents less than 1% of the total light duty vehicle market in China.
Pike Research research director John Gartner said that as of early 2012, only a few domestically produced EV models were available to China's general public.
"Indeed, evidence is emerging to suggest that Chinese EV manufacturers have yet to develop proven technology that can propel the market," Gartner said.
"Even though it is unlikely to reach its targets, however, China's EV ambitions will provide a huge boost to electric car development worldwide in the long run."
According to the report, since 2003, Chinese automakers have released or announced the production of 40 battery electric vehicles (EVs) and 31 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that will be on the market by 2015.
By 2011, Chinese vehicle manufacturers that include BYD, SAIC, and Foton all delivered hybrids or PEVs to the market.
The report found that foreign automakers such as General Motors, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota were early entrants to the PEV market, while European suppliers have yet to announce PEV launch plans for China.
