Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in China: Current Developments and Future Plans
As of April 1, 2025, the discussion surrounding the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in China continues to grow. Questions arise regarding the comparison between electric and gasoline vehicles, especially in terms of charging station pricing and availability. Recent discussions have highlighted various issues concerning new energy vehicles, prompting the National Energy Administration to emphasize the importance of establishing robust electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In order to meet the growing demand for new energy vehicles, China aims to ensure that the total number of electric vehicles reaches 31.4 million by 2024, accounting for 8.9% of the total vehicle market. To accommodate over 30 million electric vehicles, there is a need for significant improvements in the charging infrastructure, commonly referred to as the “base construction” of electric vehicle charging stations.
According to data from the National Energy Administration, as of February 2023, China had established around 13.45 million charging stations, marking an increase of 49.1% compared to the previous year. By February 2025, the number of charging stations is expected to surge to 63.4 million, while the number of new energy vehicles is projected to reach 155.4 million.
The growth rate of electric vehicle charging stations has been impressive, yet challenges remain in ensuring the pace of construction keeps up with the rapid increase in electric vehicle sales. For instance, the projected charging infrastructure must keep a ratio of 1 charger for every 2.5 electric vehicles to adequately support the expected demand.
By 2024, the market share of pure electric vehicles in China is expected to exceed 1/10, positioning the country as a leader in the global electric vehicle market.
Furthermore, regulatory frameworks and construction standards for charging stations are critical as they ensure the safety and efficiency of electric vehicle operations. The National Energy Administration has initiated several measures to streamline the construction of charging infrastructure, including guidelines for the deployment of fast-charging stations.
As part of these initiatives, significant investments are being made to enhance the performance and reliability of charging stations. By 2024, the country plans to support the establishment of high-quality charging infrastructure, which is essential for integrating electric vehicles into the mainstream transportation network.
In summary, while substantial progress has been made in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in China, continued efforts are necessary to address existing challenges and ensure that the infrastructure can meet the future demands of electric vehicle users.
