The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced plans to install 3,310 electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations around Taiwan over the next five years to encourage greater use of electric vehicles, as part of a wider effort to reduce air pollution. This project will bring the total number of electric-vehicle charging stations in Taiwan to 5,010, as 1,700 were set up last year. These charging stations can support about 226,000 electric vehicles that are expected to be plying on Taiwan’s roads by 2022.

Government funds will be allocated to state-owned oil company CPC Corp. Taiwan to build 1,000 charging stations, while another 2,310 will be built in parking areas near railway stations and elsewhere.

The ministry said that the Industrial Development Bureau also will provide subsidies of up to TWD 300,000 (USD 10,131) to install electric vehicle charging stations at PX Mart chain stores and 7-11 convenience stores.

Meanwhile, government agencies that use motorcycles and scooters will start purchasing electric-powered versions over the next five years, the ministry announced. The initiative is part of a government program to phase out gasoline-powered motorcycles in Taiwan by 2035.

Taiwan was ranked third by Dalia Research, after Vietnam and Indonesia, for its reliance on motorbikes and scooters for its transportation needs. Electric motorbike use is incentivized by the government as a way to reduce emissions. The ministry began promoting the use of electric motorcycles in 2009 and has installed 1,800 charging stations for electric motorcycles throughout Taiwan. The government launched a trial run of electric cars and buses in 2011.