China in need of more charging facilities

More charging facilities are needed for new-energy vehicle owners in China, Zhang Zhaoan proposed at the 13th National People’s Congress.

The Shanghai deputy is vice president of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

In 2019, 1.21 million new-energy vehicles were sold in China, accounting for 4.68 percent of the total vehicle sales of 25.77 million.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has set a goal that by 2025, sales of new-energy vehicles will account for around 25 percent of new car sales. 

According to a survey by German consulting firm Roland Berger, the top three factors making consumers reluctant to buy electric vehicles are high price, insufficient charging infrastructure and battery life. 

The firm said 73 percent of consumers expressed concern about the lack of charging facilities, while 53 percent had "mileage anxiety."

Zhang said building charging infrastructure was vital to easing such concerns. 

He said there are five aspects to promoting the development of charging infrastructure. First, it is useful to enhance the operating efficiency and profitability of charging facilities and strengthen the construction of high-power charging points.

Zhang suggested promoting battery swap development and establish operation standards for battery swap of new-energy vehicles.

Relevant laws and regulations are needed for new-energy vehicles, as well as to clarify safety requirements and definition of responsibilities.

Zhang said it is helpful to provide new-energy vehicle infrastructure subsidies, covering charging and battery swap facilities. 

He also suggested enhancing the awareness of new-energy vehicles and increasing publicity.