The Japanese carmaker Honda Motor is launching a new electric vehicle in China from Tuesday, the company's first developed in the country.

The electric sport utility model is targeted at local consumers. Honda aims to sell 3,000 a month.

It can travel more than 500 kilometers on a single charge. Honda says it features smooth acceleration, unlike many electric cars that can speed up suddenly.

It also allows drivers to use voice commands to control the windows and air conditioner.

Honda aims to export EVs from China to Europe in the coming years.

It plans to build factories in Hubei and Guangdong provinces as part of a plan to build up its presence in China as it moves ahead with electrification.

Honda Motor representative Inoue Katsushi says the Chinese market calls for high-performance vehicles, adding, "Making cars that can beat the competition will be key to adapting to the trend toward electrification."

Nearly 3 million electric vehicles were sold in China last year, making it one of the markets with high demand.

But the share of Japanese makers is relatively low.

Honda faces competition from other Japanese players. Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor both plan to introduce EVs in China this year.