China's electric vehicle infrastructure reached a new milestone in January 2026, with 20.7 million charging connectors now operational nationwide – a 49.6% year-on-year increase that underscores the country's accelerating transition to green mobility. The National Energy Administration's latest data reveals 4.8 million public charging points and 15.9 million private installations, growing at 31.2% and 56.1% respectively compared to February 2025 figures.
The network's technical capacity has kept pace with physical expansion, with public charging facilities now boasting 226 million kilowatts of combined rated power. This translates to an average of 47 kilowatts per station – sufficient to charge most modern EVs within 30 minutes.
Strategic infrastructure deployment is reshaping regional dynamics. While coastal powerhouses like Guangdong and Zhejiang still lead in absolute numbers, central and western provinces have doubled their share of public charging points since 2022. By December 2025, 19 provincial-level regions achieved full township coverage, bringing urban-grade charging access to rural communities.
This geographical rebalancing creates new opportunities for businesses and travelers alike. Investors are eyeing logistics corridors along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, while tourism operators report increased interest in EV road trips to previously underserved regions like Yunnan and Gansu.
The infrastructure boom aligns with China's broader carbon neutrality goals, supporting both domestic EV adoption and cross-border trade. As charging standards harmonize with ASEAN partners, industry analysts predict accelerated electrification of regional supply chains through 2026.
