The Development of China’s New Energy Vehicle Charging and Swapping Industry: Review and Prospects

This paper systematically examines the key developmental stages of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) charging and battery swapping industry, analyzing technological breakthroughs, market expansion, and policy support in each phase. The study identifies three distinct stages: the initial exploration phase (before 2014), the comprehensive deployment phase (2014–2020), and the high-quality development phase (since 2021). The industry has established a diverse energy replenishment system centered on charging infrastructure, with battery swapping serving as a complementary approach. Policy implementation has yielded significant achievements, including rapid infrastructure expansion, continuous technological upgrades, innovative business models, and improved user experiences. However, persistent challenges remain, such as insufficient standardization, unprofitable business models, and coordination barriers between stakeholders. The paper forecasts future development trajectories, including the widespread adoption of high-power charging technology, intelligent charging system upgrades, integration of Solar Power, Energy Storage, and EV Charging, diversified operational ecosystems for charging/swapping facilities, deep integration of virtual power plants, and the construction of comprehensive energy stations. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening standardization, optimizing regional coordination and subsidy mechanisms, enhancing participation in virtual power plant frameworks, promoting the interoperability of charging/swapping infrastructure, and advancing environmental sustainability through resource recycling.