Shanghai (ZXZC)- China's Zhejiang provincial government recently issued a special action plan aimed at enhancing the high-quality charging infrastructure network, driving the penetration of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in rural areas, and boosting NEV consumption.

In alignment with this strategy, by 2025, the province aims to establish a scientifically planned, intelligently interconnected, economically accessible charging infrastructure network that encompasses both fast and slow charging. The target is to build over 2.3 million charging piles province-wide, with no less than 900,000 in rural areas. Among these, at least 120,000 will be public charging piles, and a minimum of 20,000 will be in rural areas, catering to the charging demands of over 4 million NEVs.

Photo credit: StarCharge

Furthermore, a holistic service ecosystem for the complete lifecycle of NEVs will be established, integrating aspects like production, sales, charging, maintenance, servicing, and recycling. The plan envisions surpassing annual sales of 1 million NEVs and establishing a network of more than 500 new energy vehicle maintenance and servicing outlets by 2025.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, charging facilities at highway service areas will be universally accessible, with the target of reaching 20% of passenger car parking spaces in eligible highway service areas across the province.

The plan also outlines the establishment of a standardized charging infrastructure framework to encourage compatibility and interoperability among charging equipment. Accelerated development and implementation of safety standards for high-power charging and charging equipment are proposed. The plan also seeks to establish NEV charging and battery swapping standards, supporting their transition into national and industry benchmarks. Moreover, the plan aims to refine construction standards and management systems for comprehensive energy supply service stations.