Iran's Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade for Transportation Manouchehr Manteki told IRNA that six Iranian automakers will produce electric vehicles jointly with China as part of a 25-year strategic partnership plan.

Manteki said six Iranian automakers, including the country's two largest carmakers SAIPA Automotive Group and Iran Khodro Industrial Group (IKCO), have signed a contract with Chinese firms to jointly produce electric vehicles.

China is currently considered the leading country in the production of electric vehicles in the world, he said, adding that various countries are interested in cooperating with China to electrify their cars and signing technology contracts with the Asian country.

Iran's Ministry of Industry has drawn up a comprehensive program to enhance the competitiveness of the electric car industry, he said, adding that the first phase has taken into consideration the precise use of electric cars and taking advantage of their advantages in reducing fuel consumption and improving air pollution.