Bodies of electric cars are arranged inside a factory in Weihai, Shandong Province. (Photo : Reuters)
After President Xi Jinping displayed his commitment to environmental causes last month during his first inspection tour for 2015, news emerged this week regarding the continued development of China's charging-station infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The Chinese leader likened the environment to one's own physical health and the immense value that he has placed on the subject seems to be increasingly reflected in the actions of governments across China during the new normal economic period.
Wednesday's news was in regard to the infrastructure that will be available for electric-vehicle users in the capital city: The number of Beijing's electric-vehicle charging stations will be doubled by the time this year comes to an end.
Local authorities explained to reporters that the expansion of the stations serves to encourage the use of new-energy vehicles in a metropolis where a significant reduction in air pollution levels is urgently needed.
According to Xu Xinchao, head of the new energy and materials department with the municipal science and technology commission, the schedule for the new series of charging stations means that they should be functional for public use before the start of the annual Spring Festival celebrations on Feb. 19.
Xu explained that, after the new stations are opened, it will be possible to easily locate a charging station in Beijing, as they can be found at shopping centers, office buildings, parking areas, airports, service areas, parks, technology parks and transportation stations.
However, Xu also said that further private investment is needed because he believes that more stations are required.
The Chinese capital currently operates 1,425 public charging stations that are situated in nearly 200 locations.
