Tesla has launched its charging service program in China. Tesla China stated that it is currently training third-party electrician teams to provide paid, professional on-site charging installation services for Tesla owners, as well as offering comprehensive charging solutions. Recently, automakers, the State Grid, and other stakeholders have been continuously taking steps to enhance charging infrastructure for new-energy vehicles. The “last-mile challenge” is expected to be addressed in the development of new-energy vehicles.

Automakers continue to step up their efforts.

Over the past few years, the issue of charging infrastructure for new-energy vehicles has continuously hindered the industry’s further development, becoming what is known as the “last-mile problem.” In the course of industry development, new-energy vehicle companies and dealers—including Tesla—have been among the most proactive and urgent in addressing this challenge.

According to sources from SAIC, SAIC has identified charging infrastructure as a key issue in the group’s strategy for developing new-energy vehicles. Previously, Gan Pin, General Manager of SAIC New Energy Technology Management Department, stated that a major challenge to the success of new-energy vehicles lies in the inadequate and improperly arranged deployment of charging infrastructure such as charging stations. It is reported that SAIC’s Roewe 550 PLUG-IN plug-in hybrid vehicle offers significant preferential policies for charging users. Customers who purchase this model will receive a charging station and one year’s worth of electricity bills free of charge.

Previously, BAIC Group had also publicly stated that issues such as the installation of charging piles would be coordinated and compensated for by BAIC’s relevant after-sales departments. According to Lin Yi, Executive Director of BAIC New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd., owners who purchase BAIC new energy vehicles in Beijing will enjoy “nanny-like” service. BAIC will coordinate with the power supply departments of the residential property where the buyer lives to build and provide charging facilities.

Xu Weihan, Chief Financial Officer of Shanghai Gaozhan New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd., stated that similar charging service programs recently launched by Tesla have already been implemented by domestic automakers. Gaozhan is one of the leading distributors of SAIC’s new energy vehicles. Currently, the construction of charging stations in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou is gradually being rolled out. In 2014, the company plans to install tens of thousands of charging stations. As for the installation process, new-energy vehicle owners will be responsible for covering the costs of the charging stations. On the basis of thorough coordination with property management companies and other relevant parties, Gaozhan will assist owners in installing charging stations at their designated parking spaces.