Chinese electric car maker Tianjin Qingyuan Electric Vehicle Co is in talks with Daimler AG to develop an electric version of a van made at the German automaker's joint venture in southeast China, a source said yesterday.

Qingyuan, the first Chinese firm that has sold more than 2,000 self-made electric vehicles in the United States, is seeking to team up with big automakers, domestic and foreign, in tapping the fledgling green car business.

"Many carmakers are either investing or looking to invest in green cars currently and that presents a good business opportunity for a company like Qingyuan," the source, with direct knowledge of the matter said.