China's EV charging network reaches 22.49 million units by end of May, up 44.9 per cent year on year

China's electric vehicle charging infrastructure totalled 22.49 million units by the end of May 2026, a 44.9 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the National Energy Administration. Public charging facilities accounted for 4.95 million units, growing 25.9 per cent year on year, while private installations surged 51.4 per cent to 17.55 million units. Registered power capacity for private charging reached 151 million kilovolt amperes, with private sector growth exceeding 50 per cent throughout 2026.

Why it matters: The scale and pace of China's rollout, particularly the 51.4 per cent annual growth in private installations, underscores the infrastructure demands and competitive dynamics facing CPOs and equipment suppliers in the world's largest EV market. Public network operators must contend with a private charging base now 3.5 times larger than the public estate, shaping business models and site selection strategies.