SHANGHAI - Eleven charging posts have been installed in the parking lot of Wanfo Temple in Shanghai.

The charging posts will be free to use for temple visitors, said Master Huichan, director of the Jiading District Buddhism Association, which encourages use of clean energy.

There are plans to install around 100 posts at the temple, he said. Free charging will also be available near six other Buddhist temples in Jiading district.

Electric cars are gaining popularity in China upon strong government support and incentives.

In October last year, China's cabinet, the State Council, announced plans to build a nationwide charging-station network that will fulfil the power demands of five million electric vehicles by 2020.