Public Charging Network Sees Significant Expansion
The Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to increase Taiwan’s public charging network to 7,800 stations by 2025 to meet the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market. This initiative aims to accelerate charging infrastructure development and enhance convenience for EV users. Currently, charging equipment is categorized into three main types: standard 220V household connectors, AC charging units in residential or public areas, and high-power DC fast-charging stations.
Charging Standards and Efficiency Vary Widely
Standard 220V household connectors offer the slowest charging rates, providing only 7 to 14 kilometers of range per hour. These are suitable for overnight charging of plug-in hybrid vehicles or as a supplementary option for battery-electric vehicles. AC charging equipment commonly found in residential garages, communities, and parking lots delivers higher efficiency, adding 50 to 60 kilometers of range per hour for battery-electric vehicles. Charging a plug-in hybrid to full capacity typically takes 3 to 4 hours.
DC fast-charging stations are designed specifically for battery-electric vehicles, catering to long-distance travel or urgent charging needs. For instance, a 150kW fast-charging station can provide approximately 100 kilometers of range in 10 minutes, while a 50kW station adds only about 30 kilometers in the same duration. Although DC fast charging significantly reduces charging time, it comes at a higher cost and may impact battery longevity if used frequently.