China's top financial regulators on Wednesday set the maximum loan ratio for the purchase of new energy cars, part of efforts to encourage drivers to go green.

The maximum loan ratio for new energy cars is 5 percent higher than that for traditional cars, both for self-use and commercial-use, according to the announcement by the People's Bank of China and the China Banking Regulatory Commission.

The maximum loan ratio for self-use new energy cars is 85 percent, and that for commercial-use is set at 75 percent.

The maximum loan ratio for traditional cars at 80 percent for self-use and 70 percent for commercial-use, which remains unchanged compared to the previous rules introduced in 2004.

The maximum loan ratio for used car purchases has been raised by 20 percent to 70 percent.

The new rules will go into effect on Jan 1 next year.

The financial regulators have released a slew of guidelines in recent years to boost the development of the new energy car industry.