The largest electric vehicle charging station in Shanghai's downtown was launched on Tuesday to cap increasing demand and help achieve the country's carbon neutrality target.

The pilot charging station on Longhua Road E. in Huangpu District has 20 charging piles for 40 electric cars to charge simultaneously. It mainly serves private car drivers in nearby communities and new-energy taxis. Some 480 vehicles can be charged at the station every day.

The station beneath the North-South Elevated Highway covers over 5,000 square meters. It will operate round the clock with discounts during non-peak hours. It charges 1.5 yuan (23 US cents) per kilowatt hour during the peak period and about half during the valley hours. Drivers can pay through multiple mobile apps.