China records sharp expansion of EV charging infrastructure

China witnessed a robust expansion of its electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the first half of 2026, marking a significant step forward in the country's ongoing transition toward sustainable transportation and green energy.

According to data released by the National Energy Administration on Tuesday, the nationwide EV charging network has experienced rapid development, resulting in significantly enhanced service capabilities for the world's largest new energy vehicle market. By the end of June 2026, the total number of EV charging facilities across the nation reached 23.057 million units, representing a massive 43.2 percent increase year-on-year.

This impressive growth was heavily driven by individual consumers. The number of private charging facilities hit 18.048 million, surging 50.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Reflecting the sheer scale of the network's expansion, the installed power capacity for private charging facilities has now reached 155 million kilovolt-amperes.

Beyond just numerical growth, the quality and speed of the charging network are also undergoing a major upgrade to meet the evolving demands of modern EV owners.

To alleviate range anxiety and facilitate long-distance travel, the country has actively accelerated the deployment of fast-charging technology. By the end of June 2026, China had successfully built and deployed over 180,000 high-power charging guns nationwide.

This increasingly dense and highly efficient charging ecosystem is expected to further stimulate domestic EV consumption, solidifying China's leadership in the global automotive green transition while providing robust foundational support for the nation's dual carbon goals.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn