The NEVC signs the agreement with Imperial College London on Thursday in Zibo, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The National New Energy Vehicle Technology Innovation Center has joined hands with the United Kingdom's Imperial College London to boost development in the new energy vehicle sector.

According to the agreement the two signed on Thursday, the partnership will start by looking into lightweight materials, hydrogen energy and fuel cells.

The two said they will mainly focus on the exchange of ideas and fostering Chinese and British expertise and insights, establishing R&D and innovation programs, and holding relevant events.

The goal is to accelerate innovation through incubators, attract more investment and generate more intellectual properties, they said.

The NEVC is the only national-level automobile innovation center approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

It focuses on research and development in nine major aspects including intelligent networks, lightweight materials, fuel cells as well as power batteries.