(Yicai Global) Sept. 30 -- Shanghai will expand its subsidies to improve the eastern megacity's electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Eligible taxi charging stations that will be completed this year can receive subsidies equaling up to 30 percent of the cost, the government wrote in a notice published online yesterday. Up to 50 percent of the cost of new shared charging stations can be covered by subsidies.

Shanghai had 507,000 charging stations as of Dec. 31, 2021, with one charging pile for each 1.3 new energy vehicle, the highest ratio nationwide, based on official data. But there is still room for improvement in slow charging equipment, old neighborhoods, and services for new vehicle models.

Local neighborhoods are encouraged to make smart upgrades to their existing charging equipment by adding new routers or replacing old changing piles, several government agencies said recently.

The city's administration will offer a one-time CNY300 (USD42) subsidy to each charging pile. Financial support will also be given to battery swap stations in specific public service areas such as port terminals, logistics centers, and sanitation facilities.

A highly efficient charging system will be formed by December 2025, the National Development and Reform Commission said in a document released early this year. The country should be able to fulfill the charging needs of over 20 million NEVs by then.

Editor: Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi