A charging pile functions similarly to a fuel dispenser at a gas station. It can be fixed to the ground or wall, installed in public buildings, shopping malls, parking lots, or residential areas. It provides charging for various types of electric vehicles depending on voltage levels. The input terminal connects directly to the AC power grid, while the output terminal includes charging plugs for EVs.
Basic Overview of Charging Piles
Charging piles generally provide two modes: regular and fast charging. Users can use a dedicated charging card via a human-machine interface to select the charging mode, duration, and payment options. The display screen shows charging power, cost, and time.
Technical Requirements for AC Charging Piles
The AC charging pile must meet environmental, structural, and electrical standards. It should operate from -20°C to 50°C, withstand humidity up to 95%, and support installation up to 1000m altitude.
Structurally, the shell must be strong, prevent electric contact, have proper grounding, and resist theft, impact, and corrosion. Electrical requirements include safe plug-socket connection confirmation, leakage protection, overcurrent protection, and flame retardance.
Technical Requirements for DC Charging Piles
The DC charging pile uses a 3-phase 380VAC ±15% power input, outputting direct current based on battery type. It supports both fast (1 hour) and regular (5 hour) charging modes, smart IC management, and CAN communication interface.
It must have overcurrent and fault protection, battery monitoring, forced air cooling, and IP54 protection.
Charging Pile Market Analysis
The charging pile market still has vast potential. As a key infrastructure for EV adoption, construction remains behind demand. According to the China Industrial Research Institute, from 2012 to 2018, the number of charging piles grew from 18,000 to 299,000 units — a 39.72% increase in 2018.
Recent government policies are shifting subsidies toward infrastructure development rather than direct EV purchase incentives.
Key Players in the Charging Pile Industry Chain
Major participants include charging operators, equipment manufacturers, and integrated solution providers. These roles often overlap but form the foundation of the EV charging ecosystem.
Operating Models and Profit Analysis
The main operation models include government-led, user-led, mixed, and crowdfunding models, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Value-Added Services
As EV adoption expands, value-added services such as parking, maintenance, and smart energy management will increase.
Challenges in the Traditional Charging Pile Operation Model
- Lack of standardized industry regulations.
2. Idle charging facilities due to poor planning.
3. Site construction limitations in urban areas.
4. Unclear profitability models.
5. Difficulty upgrading older charging piles.
6. Complications with private charging pile installations.
User Challenges
Users often face issues such as needing multiple apps and cards, difficulty locating charging stations, and long charging times.
Suggestions and Recommendations
- Enforce regulations against fuel vehicles occupying charging spaces.
2. Encourage interoperability among charging platforms.
3. Require public parking lots to reserve a portion of spaces for charging stations.
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