Chongqing- Recently, Chongqing announced its ambitious plan for new energy vehicle (NEV) charging infrastructure. By 2025, the city will embrace 298,000 new self-use charging piles and 106 fast-charging stations special for city distribution logistics.

Chongqing is steering its infrastructure to be more electric vehicle-friendly, echoing the global shift towards sustainable transport solutions.

Special Plan for Charging and Swapping Infrastructure in Chongqing's Central Urban Area (2023-2025). (Photo/ Zheng Ran)

The announced Special Plan for Charging and Swapping Infrastructure in Chongqing's Central Urban Area (2023-2025) outlines the addition of 1,340 public fast charging stations and 298,000 self-use charging piles. For city distribution logistics, 106 fast-charging stations will be introduced, spanning nine districts, including Yuzhong District, Jiangbei District, Dadukou District, and more.

By the end of 2022, Chongqing recorded 260,000 NEVs out of 5.764 million vehicles. Given the swift growth in NEVs in the central urban area, the numbers are projected to surge to 630,000 NEVs out of 2.57 million vehicles by 2025.

Comprehensive coverage of self-use charging piles

To address this demand, the city emphasizes various installation sites for these charging stations, including social parking lots, gas stations, green spaces, and rail transit facilities.

For self-use charging piles, the plan aims for comprehensive coverage. For instance, office public building parking lots guarantee that at least 50% of parking spaces are equipped with charging facilities. New residential communities are to ensure that every fixed parking space either comes with charging facilities or is reserved with conditions for future installations.

The plan also outlines the installation of specialized charging stations. It includes 108 fast charging stations for electric buses and 45 for sanitation vehicles. It even consists of 26 fast charging stations for tourist spots.

To maximize the utilization of these facilities, the plan suggests strategies like cross-peak time-sharing and integrating various vehicle charging periods, which will help reduce the pile-searching distance and ease the charging pressure.

Government departments and parks are encouraged to open their charging piles to the public to foster a more collaborative approach.