Zhang Ying (right), director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, talks about the development of new energy vehicles in Shanghai during a live program for Radio Shanghai on May 6, 2024. [Photo/eastday.com]

The smart revolution in the future automobile industry represents not just a technological shift but also an energy revolution, serving as a crucial developmental pathway and a new quality productive force, said Zhang Ying, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, in a live program for Radio Shanghai on May 6.

Shanghai's proactive policies, such as free license plates for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and subsidies for trade-ins, have spurred the development of intelligent and connected new energy vehicles. The city has witnessed rising public interest in purchasing such vehicles, with a 67 percent market penetration rate in 2023, Zhang said.

According to Zhang, Shanghai stands at the forefront of NEV development nationwide, boasting a fleet of 1.28 million units, including 29,000 electric taxis, 18,000 electric buses, and over 900 street sweepers.

Efforts are underway to enhance services for NEVs and intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs). Measures include improving mobile communication coverage in underground parking lots to enable charging for electric and smart-connected vehicles, Zhang added.

Looking ahead, the city aims to achieve comprehensive coverage of communication networks in all eligible residential underground parking lots, surpassing 4,000 locations, with a specific focus on collaboration with community committees.

Moreover, Shanghai has made substantial progress in expanding charging infrastructure, boasting 813,000 charging piles by the end of 2023, with a ratio of 1.68 piles per vehicle. Ongoing efforts are focused on introducing new charging models to offer residents convenient and diverse charging facilities, Zhang added.

Source: eastday.com