The only research center of its kind nationwide, the Shanghai New Energy Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center is on the third floor of Shanghai International Automobile City Building in Anting Town.

The private non-profit organization collects real-time data from more than 20,000 new energy vehicles.

The center has an LED screen which is 4 meters wide by 3 meters high. Real-time information of each registered car is shown on a map of China on the screen in green and gray spots. Green spots are cars on the move while gray means the cars are parked. According to deputy director Ding Xiaohua, the screen shows information of 25,000 cars that have enjoyed the city's benefit policies. "The data is updated every 30 seconds, including battery information and driving routes, but no private information about the cars," he said. A thermodynamic chart of the cars will be used to provide supporting data for the city planner to set up more charging posts in the most popular areas.

Another picture shows driving routes of the cars with a zoom-in view focusing on the downtown area of Shanghai. It becomes clear that more new energy car owners live in central Shanghai. "The policy that each new energy car comes with a free Shanghai license plate starting with A is much more attractive than cash subsidies to car buyers as most owners are from downtown areas," Ding said.

The center launched a mobile app in August in a bid to make it easier for drivers to look for charging posts and relevant information.

The center is cooperating with 20 car makers and companies such as Volvo and BMW. Meanwhile, it will work with some research organizations and universities to conduct research in big data applications. Many overseas companies are also showing interest in the center.