Japan boasts more EV charging points than petrol stations

There are more electric vehicle charging points in Japan than petrol stations, according to Nissan.

The Japanese carmaker reports that the number of charging points in the country has surged past 40,000 compared to fewer than 35,000 petrol stations. The number includes points in private homes as well as the nearly 3,000 publicly available rapid charge points.

The news from Japan represents a significant milestone reports Joe Myers in a World Economic Forum. He writes that with the growth of the sharing economy and the rise of sites like PlugShare.com, owners of private charging points will be able to make them available to multiple users.

He adds that as a result of generous subsidies in some countries, new and improved battery technologies and mushrooming charging points, it may not be too long before EVs become commonplace.

Nissan chief financial office Joseph Peter is quoted as telling analysts in a conference call that an important element of continued market growth is the development of charging infrastructure.

As the charging networks expands, EVs are set to become a more viable option for drivers around the world. General Motors chief executive Mary Barra sees EVs as one of the many technological advances set to change the automotive industry, reports Myers. She believes this change will happen at an unparalleled pace.

The industry is also reacting to these infrastructure needs, reports Myers. Tesla has its own network of high-speed charging points while Volkswagen and BMW have teamed up to build a network of charging stations in the US.