TOKYO – Japan now boasts more electric car charging stations (40,000-plus) than traditional fueling stations (less than 35,000), according to a recent survey by Nissan. Many of the charge points are privately owned, The Guardian reports.

In comparison, the United States has a mere 9,000 public charging stations and more than 114,000 gasoline stations. One reason Japan has expanded its electric car charge points is the government gives subsidies to those purchasing hybrid, electric and other low-emission vehicles, thus creating a need for private and public charging stations. “An important element of the continued market growth is the development of the charging infrastructure,” said Joseph G. Peter, CFO of Nissan.

Japan’s more than 6,400 quick chargers also help to push alternative fuel vehicles. Industry experts, while bemoaning the fact that the vast majority of Japan’s charging stations are in private garages, note that new technology is emerging that would allow owners to share their chargers with others.

One recent report forecasts that sales of electric vehicles worldwide could hit 41 million by 2040, which would mean one in four cars on the road would be electric. Other countries, such as Germany, are investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure.