Charge Point Operators (CPOs) play a crucial role in expanding and maintaining a robust charging infrastructure, fostering the adoption of electric vehicles, and providing a reliable and convenient charging experience for EV users. The absence of sufficient electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has emerged as a prominent obstacle hindering the widespread acceptance of electric passenger cars. The presence of fast charging facilities, capable of replicating the convenient refueling experience associated with traditional petroleum-based vehicles, has been recognized as a catalyst for promoting the transition to EVs. Expediting the development and implementation of fast charging technology is crucial in encouraging greater adoption of EVs in the near future.
The Asia-Pacific region has seen significant progress in expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years. Several countries in the region have made substantial investments to support the adoption of EVs by installing charging points. However, it’s important to note that the availability of charging points can vary significantly by country and even within different regions of the same country.
China has been at the forefront of EV adoption and charging infrastructure development in the Asia-Pacific region. The number of charging points in China grew at a rapid pace in 2022. The country had 5.21 million charging points at the end of 2022, with over half of them (2.59 million) built in 2022.
South Korea has also been focusing on expanding its charging network, aiming to have over 200,000 charging points installed by 2025. In South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, some streetlights have been replaced by “street lamp chargers” that can fully charge an electric car in an hour.
In Japan, where the EV market has not been as robust as its neighbors, the Japanese government has plans to ease regulations on the installation of fast-chargers, with the aim to boost Japan’s EV charging infrastructure. At the moment, chargers with an output above 200 kilowatts are subject to strict safety measures and other regulations by Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency. This translates to excessive costs for installation and operating these chargers. There are plans to amend these regulations at the end of 2023.
India has also been lagging behind in charging infrastructure, with only 5,254 public charging stations available for around 2 million registered EVs in the country. This equates to a ration of just one station being available for every 393 EVs. However, it is worth noting that out of these 2 million EVs, many are actually 2-wheeler EVs that usually charge their vehicles at home. The country does have ambitious plans to raise the number of charging stations to at least 46,000 by 2030 with the majorityto be located in 9 of India’s largest cities. Among the prominent Charging Point Operators in the country, IndianOil and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation are leading the way with 1989 and 823 charging stations respectively. A complete list of Charging Point Operators can be found at India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Lately, there have been encouraging indications for the prospective growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly in countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These nations have witnessed a surge in investments in charging infrastructure, the introduction of purchase incentives for EVs, and an expansion in the availability of EV models.
Singapore leads the way in EV charging infrastructure across the region, boasting 1,800 public charging points presently available nationwide. This includes 9 Tesla Supercharging stations. The country aims to install a staggering 60,000 charging points by 2030. To promote EV adoption and increase the number of chargers at private properties, the government has allocated USD 22 million between 2021-2025. Singapore has also positioned itself as the research and development hub for the regional EV industry, attracting investments from multinational corporations and start-ups to foster a robust local EV ecosystem.
Thailand has made significant strides in EV infrastructure, with 1,000 charging stations spread across the country. Their initiatives include ambitious plans for 53,000 electric motorcycle taxis by 2022 and 5,000 electric buses by 2025. A notable development is the partnership between the Asian Development Bank and Energy Absolute, which signed a USD 48 million green loan to finance a nationwide EV charging network in Thailand. Tesla also has three supercharging stations in Bangkok, located at CentralWorld, Central Rama 2, and Central Rama 3.
In Vietnam, the adoption of EVs for private vehicles is steadily increasing. Domestic automaker VinFast has unveiled designs for three electric SUV models, which may be exported and potentially distributed within Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. This showcases Vietnam’s commitment to embracing EV technology.
Indonesia is witnessing greater EV adoption among ride-hailing operators like Grab. Grab recently announced a partnership with local power company PLN to develop its fleet charging infrastructure. Furthermore, public transport operators such as Transjakarta plan to expand their electric bus fleet to 10,000 units within the next decade.
In Malaysia, the National Low Carbon Cities 2030 plan aims to establish 200 low carbon zones across the country, potentially leading to a surge in green vehicle options, including EVs. Malaysia has ambitious plans to construct 25,000 public charging points and 100,000 private charging points by 2030.
While the Philippines currently lacks substantial incentives for purchasing EVs or developing charging infrastructure, the country possesses 5% and 4% of global nickel and cobalt reserves, respectively. This positions the Philippines with significant potential to actively participate in the EV battery production value chain.
Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the Public Works and Transport Ministry is speeding up the installation of EV charging stations throughout the kingdom. Cambodia currently has 10 charging stations in Phnom Penh, two along the soon-to-be-opened Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway and several on major arterial routes including national roads 1, 6 and 7. In addition, BYD Auto, which launched their EVs in Cambodia the end of 2022, has announced plans to build 200 EV charging stations across the country.
Establishing and Operating Charging Stations: CPOs are responsible for setting up and managing charging stations at various locations. They identify suitable sites, negotiate agreements for station installation, handle necessary permits and approvals, and oversee the overall operation and maintenance of the charging infrastructure.
Charging Network Management: CPOs maintain and manage the charging network, ensuring its reliability, efficiency, and user-friendliness. They monitor the charging stations, track usage, and address any technical issues or downtime promptly. CPOs also ensure interoperability and compatibility across different charging networks, enabling seamless charging experiences for EV users.
User Access and Billing: CPOs provide access to the charging infrastructure, typically through user authentication methods such as RFID cards, mobile apps, or payment platforms. They handle the billing process, accurately measuring the energy consumed and facilitating transparent transactions between EV owners and charging station operators.
Customer Support and Assistance: CPOs offer customer support services to address inquiries, troubleshoot charging-related problems, and provide guidance on using the charging infrastructure effectively. They may operate helplines, online portals, or dedicated support teams to assist users and ensure a positive charging experience.
Business Model Development: CPOs explore and develop sustainable business models to ensure the financial viability of charging operations. This includes identifying revenue streams, such as subscription plans, pay-per-use fees, advertising partnerships, or collaborations with other stakeholders in the EV ecosystem.
Integration with Renewable Energy Sources: CPOs can contribute to the integration of renewable energy sources into the charging infrastructure. By strategically locating charging stations near renewable energy generation sites or employing renewable energy certificates, CPOs support the environmental sustainability of EV charging.
