In recent years, the State Grid Power Supply Company has been actively promoting the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, leading to a surge in the construction of charging stations. This has created an unprecedented and favorable environment for the industry. According to Zhiyan Consult and Forecast, a reputable domestic market research firm, by 2020, the charging equipment market is expected to reach 84.8 billion yuan, while the operation market could hit 128.3 billion yuan. For the bus industry, the installation of charging stations has also gained momentum, with most companies equipping their fleets with charging infrastructure to ensure smooth operations.
The State Council’s "National Thirteenth Five-Year Plan for Strategic Emerging Industries Development" sets a target of producing and selling 2 million new-energy vehicles by 2020, with a cumulative total exceeding 5 million. The "13th Five-Year Plan for Energy Development" further outlines plans to add over 12,000 centralized power stations and more than 4.8 million distributed charging stations by 2020. With these efforts, the Chinese charging infrastructure market is projected to surpass 100 billion yuan by then.
Despite this rapid growth, challenges remain. While the expansion of new energy vehicles and charging stations has been impressive, many operators are struggling with profitability. Charging stations not only transform transportation but also impact daily life. Breaking free from the profit trap is essential for the sustainable development of the industry.
To support this growth, national subsidies for charging piles have increased, encouraging more construction. According to the "Guidelines for the Development of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2017-2022)" issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, the goal is to build 12,000 centralized power stations and replace 4.8 million charging stations by 2020. As of October 2017, China had already installed 195,000 public charging stations and 188,000 private ones. Industry estimates suggest that the charging station market will reach 100 billion yuan, possibly even exceeding expectations.
Companies like BMW, Suning, and Didi are investing heavily in expanding their charging networks. BMW plans to build 6,000 charging stations across China, while Suning collaborates with various charging operators to establish nearly 5,000 shared stations. Didi is working on a nationwide "pile network" called “Small Orange Charge†to support its electric vehicle initiatives.
However, the market remains mixed. Despite government support, many companies face financial difficulties. Reports show that some listed charging station firms experienced revenue or profit declines in 2017. High maintenance costs, low utilization rates, and poor location choices contribute to the challenges. Many stations remain underused, and issues such as incompatible charging systems and unclear business models further hinder progress.
To address these issues, both the government and private sector must work together. Operators need to explore sustainable business models beyond just charging fees and subsidies. Opportunities include integrating advertising, offering car-related services, and building interconnected charging networks. By connecting public, private, and commercial charging stations, the industry can create a more efficient and user-friendly system.
Ultimately, the charging pile market still requires time to mature. It needs continued investment, innovation, and collaboration to develop a healthy and competitive ecosystem. Only through these efforts can the industry fully realize its potential and support the growing demand for electric vehicles.
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