Open all superfast chargers to public, says China

Chinese authorities have issued a new regulation ordering 'supercharger' networks to open to BEVs of all brands, in a bid to promote fair access. It could affect how Tesla, Li Auto, BYD, Xpeng and Zeekr operate across China.

Currently most ‘supercharging’ networks in China are proprietary, with varying degrees of restriction based on the brand of EV used. For example, Tesla Superchargers charge non-Tesla vehicles 1.5-2X higher service fees and steep ‘overtime’ parking fines, with ‘overall accessibility’ limited for non-Teslas. Similarly, Li Auto’s superchargers are only accessible to the brand’s pure electric models (e.g. the L8, L6 or MEGA), while BYD’s recently announced megawatt chargers aren’t open to third party vehicles. Overall, it’s only the supercharger networks of NIO, XPeng and Zeekr which are currently open to third parties, albeit with differentials in membership discounts and reward schemes.

In response to this, China’s General Office of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has issued a notice regarding new high-powered charging (HPC) hubs self-built by EV companies. Along with a number of regulations on resource usage, commercial vehicle charging, and construction oversight, the NDRC has stated that HPC networks “should be open to all users without discrimination”. That’s according to China EV Home, which claims that “proprietary supercharging networks operated by automakers like Tesla, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) and Li Auto will gradually open to NEV owners of all brands, ending brand-exclusive charging barriers.

In a statement in Chinese, the NDRC said: “The network of high-power charging facilities built by new energy vehicle companies should, in principle, be opened up without distinction… [Charge point operators must] strengthen the internationalization of high-power charging standards and promote the coordinated development of domestic and international charging standards.”

The new regulation also pushes for a ‘multi-service’ charging model which would see charging sites integrated with commercial outlets, such as retail stores or other amenities. This is part of a wider plan to deploy more than 100,000 HPC hubs across China by the end of 2027, with a focus on upgrades to charging hubs at service areas on national highways and a reduction of ‘waste’ when constructing or operating hubs.

chinaevhome.com, ndrc.gov.cn