BEIJING - A total of 23 electric cars will be used among 11 state organs in a pilot program to promote new-energy vehicles for official use, according to a statement from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) on Tuesday.

The 11 departments include the MST, the Government Offices Administration of the State Council (GOASC), the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Land and Resources, the statement said.

An official with the GOASC said that the office will further enhance the proportion of electric cars in government vehicles in order to boost the development of new-energy automobiles.

According to the statement, China Potevio, a hi-tech telecommunications manufacturing enterprise, will be in charge of the operation of the electric cars, including car maintenance, charging facility support and business services.

In June, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued an outline to promote the application of new-energy cars and develop the country's new-energy automobile industry.