On February 7, the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission issued a notice seeking public feedback on its proposal to remove government-regulated pricing for electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping services.
Source: China Energy Net
On February 7, the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission issued a notice seeking public feedback on its proposal to remove government-regulated pricing for electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping services. The consultation is open to the public until the specified deadline. According to the Explanatory Statement on the Removal of Government-Regulated Pricing for EV Charging and Battery Swapping Services, Hainan has experienced a rapid increase in the number of charging and swapping operators, leading to a highly competitive market with the ability to self-regulate.
By 2024, 236 operators had joined Hainan’s integrated EV charging platform, fostering strong market competition. The average monthly service fee for EV charging in the province ranges between 0.29 and 0.32 yuan per kWh, well below the national average of 0.6 yuan per kWh. The advancements in battery technology have improved charging efficiency and clarified cost structures, allowing operators to adjust pricing based on costs and market demand.
The Statement emphasizes that the EV charging and battery swapping sector in Hainan is already highly competitive, making price regulation unnecessary. With deregulation, it will be difficult for operators to collude on pricing, ensuring that market competition remains the key price-setting mechanism. To maintain market share, most operators are expected to keep fees at current levels, which will prevent significant fluctuations in service costs.