The boom would follow tepid gains in 2020 seen that about 8% when health worries kept consumers at home.

Now Tesla's model Why looks like emerging as the big disruptor.

The company this month started selling locally built units off the mid sized SUV on its price them about 1/10 less than comparable gasoline powered vehicles at about $52,000.

The model undercuts rivals from Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

All told, industry sources say Tessler is expected to make about half a million vehicles in China this year, more than three times the total in 2020.

Its German rivals all have their own new models, however, potentially adding to the boom on home grown players are stepping up to local brands like neo and exposing are also expanding manufacturing capacity.

What happens will be closely watched.

China is the world's biggest car market and accounts for about half of global evey sales.

Beijing wants Aled new energy vehicles to account for 1/5 of sales by 2025 up from 5% now.

It's extended electric vehicle subsidies by two years to help hit that target.

If the forecast boom materializes, that could see any V sales hit about 1.8 million units this year.