China is set to promote the charging of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) during off-peak power usage by strengthening the interaction between NEVs and the power grids, with a relevant technical standard system established by 2025 and completed by 2030, several Chinese ministries jointly announced on Thursday.

By 2030, the interaction between China's NEVs and the power grid is expected to achieve large-scale application, facilitating the comprehensive promotion of intelligent and orderly NEV charging. The NEV-power grid interaction involves energy and information exchange through charging and discharging devices, enabling NEVs to participate in scenarios like virtual power plants.

According to an implementation suggestion released by four Chinese ministries, connecting NEVs to the power supply network can effectively leverage the flexible adjustment ability of vehicle power batteries as mobile energy storage.

Analysts highlight the significance of this suggestion, supporting the large-scale development of the NEV industry, the construction of new energy systems, and new power systems.

The suggestion sets a target that, by 2025, more than 80 percent of NEV power charged with private charging piles should be during off-peak power usage, with over 60 percent of NEV power charged in the off-peak period for the entire society in pilot cities.

Large-scale pilot demonstrations of NEV-power grid interaction are planned in regions such as the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei-Shandong region, Sichuan-Chongqing region, and other areas with favorable environments. Ministries aim to build more than five demonstration cities and over 50 two-way charging and discharging demonstration projects by the end of 2025.

In addition to the goal of charging NEVs during off-peak periods, the suggestion outlines six major tasks, including technological breakthroughs to extend battery lifetime and improvements in the market mechanism of electricity prices.

Furthermore, the suggestion encourages power suppliers to engage in the construction and servicing of charging facilities in residential areas. Power suppliers are also urged to build terminals integrating solar power generation, storage, and charging facilities based on local conditions, promoting the integrated development of transportation and energy generation.

The Philadelphia Orchestra, which in 1973 became the first US orchestra to visit China, is back in Beijing for a concert with the China National Symphony Orchestra. The joint performance, which will take place on Friday, marks the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking cultural exchange that helped improve relations between the two countries.

The two orchestras will be led by Li Xincao, the chief conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra, and Tristan Rais-Sherman, the assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Rais-Sherman, who joined the Philadelphia Orchestra two years ago, told the Global Times after Wednesday's rehearsal that he was honored to be part of this historic event. 

The concert, hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and organized by the China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd, will feature a blend of Western and Chinese music. 

Rais-Sherman added that he learned about the history of the Philadelphia Orchestra and China after the cooperation was confirmed nearly half a year ago.

"The Beethoven's Symphony No.5 we are going to play is actually historically connected to our visit as we first played it here in 1973. And we also have Tang Dynasty poetry songs and Erquan Yingyue, the choice of music is a blend of both, which is significant," he told the Global Times.

He also praised the cooperation with the China National Symphony Orchestra, saying it was fantastic to work with them for the first time.

"Every time working with a new orchestra, you don't know what would happen. We didn't really know each other at first. Everyone is finding each other and figuring things out from the beginning. However, by the end of today, the level here is very high. They (the Chinese orchestra) are very enthusiastic, flexible and they are great listeners," he said, adding that it was a privilege to be there.

"I hope that other American orchestras can continue to come back, and I hope this visit is a starting point of restarting the visits," he added. 

"To be a major part of this is a special experience to me."

The Philadelphia Orchestra, which arrived in Beijing on Tuesday with 14 members, will also hold master classes, panel discussions, and a chamber music performance in Shanghai as part of their tour, which will also include stops in Suzhou and other cities.