Are There Charging Piles in All Service Areas?
3 Answers
Highway service areas (parking areas) in 23 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across the country have already installed charging facilities, most of which are operational. Here is some information about charging piles: 1. The function of charging piles is similar to fuel dispensers at gas stations. They can be fixed on the ground or walls and installed in public buildings (such as office buildings, shopping malls, public parking lots, etc.), residential community parking lots, or charging stations. They can charge various types of electric vehicles according to different voltage levels. 2. The input end of the charging pile is directly connected to the AC power grid, and the output end is equipped with a charging plug for charging electric vehicles.
Indeed, over the past few years of driving electric vehicles on long trips, I've clearly noticed the increasing prevalence of charging stations in service areas. Thanks to the national new infrastructure initiatives and new energy vehicle promotion policies, most highway service areas are now equipped with fast-charging piles, with State Grid being the primary operator installing many of them. The charging speed is quite fast, replenishing a significant amount of range in just half an hour, making it both practical and economical. However, remote areas or some smaller service areas might still lag behind, so I always make a habit of checking in advance with map apps to avoid spots without charging facilities. Occasionally, there might be queues during peak hours, so I recommend planning off-peak travel. It's also important to take good care of these facilities. Additionally, there are fast and slow charging options, with fast-charging piles being more common. The charging costs are reasonable, generally cheaper than refueling. In the long run, the coverage is accelerating, making electric vehicle travel more convenient.
Working at the service area allows me to observe the charging stations up close. Nowadays, the vast majority of service areas are equipped with charging facilities, especially the fast-charging stations supported by the government. I see electric vehicle users coming to charge every day, and the number has significantly increased. The charging process can be completed in just 20-40 minutes if it's fast, greatly reducing range anxiety. In terms of maintenance, we need to regularly check the condition of the stations to prevent malfunctions that could affect usage. The charging fees are transparent and affordable, and users have responded positively. With policy support, the coverage is expanding, but some older service areas may still need time to upgrade. It is recommended that users prepare in advance, such as bringing payment tools. The popularity of charging stations has indeed boosted business in service areas, as more people are willing to stop and rest.
