China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country’s top economic planner, has issued a new directive to accelerate the nationwide rollout of high-power EV charging facilities. The move aims to bolster the burgeoning EV market and support China’s green transformation in transportation.

The directive, released in conjunction with three other ministries, stresses the importance of efficient resource utilization. It encourages experienced operators with robust investment capabilities to lead the construction and management of these crucial charging stations.

A key focus of the policy is the expansion of high-power charging networks for public transport, logistics, and medium-to-heavy freight vehicles. Significantly, the NDRC stipulates that high-power charging networks built by EV manufacturers themselves should be openly accessible to all users without discrimination.

The policy also promotes the integration of charging stations with commercial services such as dining, shopping, and automotive maintenance, wherever site conditions permit. This initiative seeks to enhance the overall user experience and further drive the adoption of EVs in China.

🔗 Source: 36Kr

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ China’s open-access mandate builds on world-leading charging infrastructure

The NDRC’s requirement for high-power charging networks to be open to all users builds on China’s global lead in charging infrastructure deployment.

As of July 2024, China operates over 3.2 million public charging points, more than three times the combined total of Europe (900,000) and the United States (181,118) 1.

China’s charging density is also strong, with one public charger for every 9.4 electric vehicles, compared to one per 16.6 EVs in Europe and one per 20.6 EVs in the U.S. 2.

This open-access policy could further strengthen China’s position by reducing fragmentation across charging networks, addressing a key challenge that has slowed EV adoption in other markets.

The focus on high-power charging specifically addresses needs for commercial vehicles like logistics and public transport fleets, which require faster charging and have predictable routes.

By ensuring open access, China is leveraging its infrastructure advantage to accelerate EV adoption across all vehicle segments, not just passenger cars.

2️⃣ Commercial integration strategy backed by economic evidence

The NDRC’s encouragement to integrate charging stations with commercial services is supported by research showing significant economic benefits for surrounding businesses.

A 2024 study found that installing one EV charging station boosts annual spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% ($1,478), with businesses within 100 meters seeing spending increases of 2.7% 3.