Shinan steps up construction on charging infrastructure

The construction of charging ports for new energy vehicles is being promoted in Shinan district, Qingdao. According to the recently-issued development plan, a network of charging infrastructure is expected to cover the whole district within three years.

Charging ports are among the seven major components of new infrastructure construction, in addition to 5G infrastructure, extra-high voltages, intercity high-speed railways and rail transit, big data centers, artificial intelligence, and industrial internet.

To date, the district boasts more than 7,600 electric vehicles and over 950 charging ports. Some areas still have few charging facilities and the utilization rate is low. The shortage of charging ports is slowing down the development of electric automobiles.

To solve this problem, Shinan district has formulated a plan to construct more charging infrastructure, promote the integration of charging facilities and the internet, and encourage the investment of social capital.

Around 600 new public charging ports, costing 120 million yuan ($16.94 million) in total, will be built by 2022. A cooperation agreement was also signed between the district government and the Qingdao Power Supply Co to upgrade power systems in local communities, with an investment of 650 million yuan.

Parking lots in the district will also be improved for better management of charging infrastructure.

By 2022, the number of electric vehicles in the district is predicted to reach 130,000, while the number for charging facilities is 1,800. An urban charging facility network will be formed, and public charging services will be available within 900 meters of any location.