China to expand EV charging facilities

China will continue to expand and improve the country's electric vehicle (EV) charging network in response to the booming domestic new energy vehicle (NEV) industry and public travel demands, a Chinese official said on Thursday.

"China places great importance on the construction of EV charging infrastructure, considering it a key measure to promote the green and low-carbon transition of energy and to foster high-quality development in the transportation sector," said Wan Jinsong, deputy head of China's National Energy Administration, during the release of a white paper titled "China's Energy Transition" in Beijing.

As of the end of July this year, the total number of charging facilities nationwide has reached 10.6 million units, effectively supporting the charging needs of more than 25 million NEVs. In central urban areas of major cities, the public charging service radius is now comparable to that of gas stations, he said.

"Currently, 95 percent of highway service areas are equipped with charging capabilities and China will continue to push for rapid upgrades in charging technology."

The government will continue accelerating the construction of a high-quality charging infrastructure system to support the green and low-carbon development of the transportation industry, he added.

Zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn