Electric vehicle giant BYD’s home base, Shenzhen, has just become the first-ever Chinese city to have more supercharging plugs than traditional gas pumps by late April 2024, China Daily reported, citing the local development and reform commission’s remarks on Sunday.
Shenzhen leads China in EV charging infrastructure development
Shenzhen, in South China’s Guangdong province, has deployed a total of 362 supercharging stations for new energy vehicles (NEVs) as of April 30, 2024.
While the report did not indicate the current number of gas stations, it noted that the city now has more supercharging stations.
Likewise, the number of supercharging plugs has also now outpaced that of traditional gas pumps.
Shenzhen’s cutting-edge supercharging tech can charge an electric vehicle to at least 80% in just 10 minutes or even less. Unlike conventional chargers, the superchargers offer a NEV owners a fast and seamless charging experience.
EV charging volume grew 11% YoY in Q1 2024
The remarkable supercharging network expansion in Shenzhen has subsequently increased the charging efficiency of new energy vehicles in China.
According to Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau of China Southern Power Grid’s data, the city’s charging volume hit a whopping 670 million kilowatt-hours in the first quarter of the year. This capacity represents a notable 11% surge compared to the same period in 2023.
That said, the city government must strategize to avoid overburdening the electrical grid amid the rapid transition to electric vehicles.
Innovative “City of Supercharging” plan
In hindsight, Shenzhen kicked off its supercharging development and expansion push on June 29 last year.
At the time, the city introduced its inaugural fully liquid-cooled supercharging demonstration station under the “City of Supercharging” plan. It primarily aims to construct as many supercharging stations as gas stations by 2025.
Since then, the city has continuously developed new supercharging tech, expanded infrastructures, and strategically deployed stations.
Shenzhen’s success in developing an enormous and reliable supercharging network has not only simplified the EV charging process but has also boosted the clean mobility shift in the city.
Now, Shenzhen aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in supercharging infrastructure under the new “Special Plan for New Energy Vehicle Supercharging Facilities” endeavor. It aims to develop a vibrant ecosystem for new energy vehicles and ensure a more sustainable future.
