Can all highway service areas charge vehicles?
2 Answers
Service areas can charge vehicles. Currently, highway service areas provide portable power banks and charging piles that can be paid for via scanning QR codes at any time. Here are some precautions to note when charging your car: Turn off the headlights: When charging, adjust the headlights to AUTO or turn them off. Electric vehicles do not have engine idling, so before leaving the car, you must check whether the vehicle's power is turned off. Generally, the headlights and low-power electrical equipment in new energy vehicles are powered by the vehicle's battery. If they are left on for a long time, the battery can easily discharge. Even if the power battery is fully charged, the vehicle battery might be depleted, which could affect the car's startup. Avoid using the air conditioning and in-car devices: Most car owners will wait in the car while charging, and during summer or winter, they might think of turning on the air conditioning. Although it is possible to use the air conditioning while charging, it is best to avoid it if possible. Using the air conditioning while charging can reduce the lifespan of the battery pack.
As someone who frequently drives long distances in an electric car, I can say that not all highway service areas offer charging facilities—it really depends on the specific route. Service areas near major cities tend to have more comprehensive charging infrastructure. For example, on the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, there are State Grid fast-charging stations roughly every 100 kilometers, capable of charging to 80% in about 30 minutes. However, in remote areas like mountainous regions or expressways in northwestern provinces, many service areas either lack charging stations entirely or only offer slow charging. I recommend using a map app to plan your route in advance, marking service areas with charging points to avoid stretches with long gaps between charging options. Charging stations come in various types, including fast and slow chargers, and during peak hours, you might encounter queues. Bringing some snacks along is a good idea. While the charging network has expanded rapidly in recent years, there’s still significant room for improvement in coverage, so don’t rely on every service area having charging available.
