(Yicai Global) Nov. 20 -- The State Grid Corporation of China is to build another 300,000 intelligent charging stations as part of its smart charging network for new energy vehicles which is already the most extensive in the world, according to a report by CNR News today.

The State Grid’s smart charging network, which helps link charging station companies with electric car users, is connected to around one million charging piles and serves 5.5 million owners of the zero-emission autos, the report said, citing the State Grid.

The open platform is connected to 93 percent of all public charging piles in the country, amounting to 626,000 units and 66 percent of the world’s total. It is also connected to 43 percent of all privately-owned charging stations, around 350,000. They include a variety of facilities, including fast-charging stations on expressways, urban public charging points, public transport charging stations, private community piles and shore power supply at ports.

NEV owners can access the services via an app. The platform uses smart grid technology to guide drivers to charge during valley loads when electricity demand is off-peak. This not only gives them cheaper rates but also helps ensure grid safety. Electric cars can also supply power back to the grid during peak times, becoming a form of portable power station.

China had 1.42 million charging points as of September this year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. All charging piles will be integrated into one management platform in the next five years and will be shared as much as possible, Vice Minister Xin Guobin said on Nov. 3.

Editor: Kim Taylor