China's Charging Network Expands Alongside EV Growth : NDRC

China's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is expanding in tandem with its growing EV fleet, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

By the end of May, China had 9.92 million EV charging points, a 56% increase from the previous year. This total includes 3.05 million public devices and 6.87 million private devices, reflecting annual increases of 46% and 61%, respectively.

"China has established the world's largest EV charging infrastructure in terms of quantity, service scope, and variety," stated the NDRC.

As of the end of 2023, China's battery EV population reached 15.52 million units, making up 76% of its 20 million new energy vehicle (NEV) fleet. NEVs in China include battery EVs, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles. The total number of automobiles in the country reached 336 million by the end of 2023.

To meet the rising demand for NEVs, particularly battery EVs, China plans to continue expanding its charging infrastructure. This year, the country aims to add more charging stations and parking lots along highways and in rural areas.

According to NDRC data, China's compound annual growth rate for NEV sales was 82.1% from 2012 to 2023. This rapid growth is largely driven by Beijing's decarbonization targets for 2030 and 2060 and its efforts to compensate for slower development in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) projects that NEV penetration will rise to 40% by the end of 2024. CAAM also noted that the number of buyers intending to purchase an NEV is now comparable to those looking to buy ICE vehicles.

However, China's NEV industry faces several challenges, including insufficient charging infrastructure in smaller cities and rural areas, potential oversupply issues, and increasing geopolitical measures from the US and EU.