(Yicai Global) April 9 -- Volkswagen Group Components and Shanghai Du-Power New Energy Technology have penned an agreement to make flexible fast-charging piles for electric vehicles in China with the aim to start mass production in the second half.

Du-Power and the German auto giant will set up a 50-50 joint venture in Suzhou's Wuzhong Economic and Technology Development Zone to start production, Beijing News reported today. Volkswagen's Hanover plant will also begin making the charging piles this year.

The compact piles can be installed almost anywhere, even where charging infrastructure is unavailable, and can become fixed charging stations once connected to a low-voltage grid for a lower cost than permanent charging points. They can also use old electric vehicle power batteries to store energy for off-grid charging.

"A comprehensive charging infrastructure is the key to the success of e-vehicles," said VW Group Component's Chief Executive Thomas Schmall. "The innovative design of our flexible quick charging station has huge potential in China, not least because of the rapid growth of electric mobility."

Volkswagen started to enter the charging pile field in China last year through Volkswagen China Investment, which set up a specialist unit JV CAMS New Energy Technology in July with First Automobile Works Group, Star Charge, and Anhui Jianghua Automobile Group.

Editor: James Boynton