China unveils three-year plan to enhance EV charging infrastructure

BEIJING -- China unveiled a three-year action plan on Wednesday to improve its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, as part of its broader efforts to boost consumer confidence and accelerate EV adoption nationwide.

The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and other government agencies, sets out measures to expand charging network coverage, enhance operational efficiency and service quality, while fostering industry innovation.

By the end of 2027, China aims to establish a nationwide network of 28 million charging facilities, with public charging capacity surpassing 300 million kilowatts -- sufficient to meet the demand of more than 80 million EVs, as outlined in the plan.

Key measures include upgrading urban fast-charging networks, expediting charging facility upgrades in expressway service areas, and tackling rural charging infrastructure shortages, according to the plan.

The plan also emphasizes improving charging infrastructure in residential areas and scaling up private charging facilities.

China has witnessed robust growth in EV charging infrastructure in recent years, mirroring the steady expansion of the country's new energy vehicle market. As of the end of August, the total number of EV charging facilities stood at nearly 17.35 million units, up 53.5 percent from a year earlier.