Shenzhen, China, has announced that the number of fast-charging outlets for electric vehicles in the city now exceeds the number of gas pumps, making it the first city in China to achieve this milestone. This news underscores the rapid electrification progress in Shenzhen, home to Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD.
362 Fast-Charging Stations and Growing According to the data released by Shenzhen, as of April 30, the city has 362 supercharging stations, with the exact number of gas pumps remaining undisclosed. Shenzhen, a city with a population of 12.5 million, has been a leader in electrification for some time. In 2017, it transformed its entire bus fleet to electric, comprising over 16,000 electric buses. In 2019, the city also switched its taxi fleet to electric vehicles.
As part of its goal to build as many supercharging stations as gas stations by 2025, Shenzhen introduced its first fully liquid-cooled fast-charging station prototype in June 2023. These stations can charge electric vehicles to 80% capacity in just 10 minutes.
Electricity Demand Continues to Rise Data from the Southern Power Grid Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau shows that Shenzhen’s charging capacity in the first quarter of 2024 reached 670 million kilowatt-hours, an 11% increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend reflects the growing adoption of electric vehicles and the city’s commitment to expanding its charging infrastructure.
With this achievement, Shenzhen sets an example for other cities looking to promote electric vehicle adoption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The city’s shift toward a more sustainable transportation model demonstrates that electrification is not only possible but also achievable at scale.
