Are Electric Vehicles Exempt from Highway Tolls?
2 Answers
Electric vehicles are subject to tolls on highways. Just like conventional fuel-powered vehicles, electric vehicles are required to pay tolls. Only licensed electric vehicles are permitted on highways, while elderly mobility scooters and unlicensed electric vehicles are prohibited. Precautions for driving electric vehicles on highways: 1. Monitor battery level. Since electric vehicles rely solely on electricity during operation, it is crucial to pay attention to the driving range before entering the highway to avoid running out of power midway. If the battery level is insufficient, drivers can recharge at the nearest rest stop. It is advisable to familiarize oneself with the locations of charging stations along the route before setting off. 2. Check tire pressure. Tire pressure is an essential inspection item before driving. For conventional fuel-powered vehicles, insufficient tire pressure leads to increased fuel consumption and reduced comfort. For electric vehicles, low tire pressure consumes more electricity to overcome driving resistance, resulting in higher power consumption during travel and a shortened driving range. 3. Be mindful of load. Similar to fuel-powered vehicles, excessive load in an electric vehicle requires more electricity during travel, leading to reduced driving range. Before traveling, it is recommended that owners organize the trunk and remove unnecessary items to achieve better range and avoid running out of power midway.
I've been driving an electric vehicle for over three years now, frequently taking road trips on highways. The issue of toll-free highways depends on policies and isn't specifically set up for EVs. During major holidays like Spring Festival, National Day, and Labor Day, the state waives highway tolls for all passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer, which includes electric models—this has saved me quite a bit of money. During regular periods, though, you generally have to pay normally without any special exemptions. Some cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen have small-scale pilot programs with toll-free sections for new energy vehicles, so I always check the latest policies on the Amap app before each trip. The advantage of EVs is their low electricity cost, but highway tolls aren't cheap, so traveling during toll-free periods gives you double savings. Last National Day, I took a long-distance trip—fully charging the EV cost just a few dozen yuan, and the toll-free highway saved me over 200 yuan in fees, which was totally worth it. I recommend checking the toll-free schedule when planning your trips and charging up in advance for a smoother ride.
