Shenzhen, the renowned hub of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first city in China to surpass the number of supercharging plugs compared to traditional gas pumps.
With direct government subsidies of “at least” $3.7 billion, as reported by Electrek in April, BYD has aggressively expanded its EV business, offering competitively priced vehicles that now require efficient fast-charging solutions. In response, Shenzhen, BYD’s hometown, has embraced the challenge, aiming to have as many supercharging stations as gas stations by 2025.
In June 2023, Shenzhen unveiled its first fully liquid-cooled supercharging prototype station, a key component of its ambitious “City of Supercharging” plan. These stations are not merely DC fast chargers; they can charge EVs to 80% in just 10 minutes, providing a rapid and convenient charging experience for users.
The city currently boasts 362 supercharging stations, according to the latest data released by Shenzhen, although specific figures for gas pumps were not provided. These stations are strategically located in commercial complexes, bus stops, and industrial parks, ensuring widespread accessibility for EV owners.
Shenzhen’s commitment to electrification extends beyond supercharging infrastructure. In 2017, the city electrified its entire bus fleet, totaling more than 16,000 electric buses. Subsequently, in 2019, Shenzhen achieved full electrification of its taxi fleet, further reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
Despite its leadership in renewable energy and EV adoption, China remains the world’s largest emitter of harmful greenhouse gases. Shenzhen’s proactive approach to electrification serves as a model for sustainable urban development, highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment and policy support in accelerating the transition to clean transportation.
