Can electric vehicles be charged at highway service areas?
3 Answers
Highway service areas can charge electric vehicles, as they are now equipped with charging stations. Here are some precautions to note when charging at service areas: 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 left on for a long time, the battery can easily discharge. Even if the power battery is fully charged, the vehicle battery may be depleted, which can affect the vehicle's startup. Avoid using air conditioning and in-car devices: While charging, most owners tend to wait inside the car and may think of turning on the air conditioning during summer or winter. In fact, you can use the air conditioning while charging, but it's best to avoid it if possible. Using air conditioning while charging can reduce the lifespan of the battery pack.
I've had plenty of experience charging my electric vehicle at highway service areas. Last year when driving from Guangzhou to Shenzhen, almost all service stations along the route were equipped with charging piles, mostly DC fast chargers with power starting from 60 kW. A 30-minute charge could give me a range of 200-300 kilometers. I used navigation apps to check charging locations in advance. During peak hours there might be queues, but the facilities were well-maintained and payments were convenient via QR code scanning. The service areas also had restrooms and convenience stores, making snack breaks during charging quite comfortable. Currently, with government planning, charging stations are being expanded along highways with high coverage rates, so long-distance travel isn't stressful anymore. For beginners, I'd suggest allocating extra time for charging when planning trips and choosing reputable charging brands for a more worry-free journey.
As an automotive travel enthusiast, charging at highway service areas is a must for me. After multiple trips on the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, I've noticed that charging stations are highly prevalent in service areas, with almost every station equipped with fast-charging piles. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to charge up to 80%. Payment methods are diverse, allowing for bank card swipes or WeChat mini-program payments. The equipment is frequently updated, with older stations upgrading to new charging piles to reduce queuing issues. Before long trips, I usually simulate the route to avoid peak charging times. The charging process is quiet and safe, with surveillance cameras ensuring vehicle security. Overall, the facilities are more convenient than urban charging stations, making them particularly suitable for electric vehicle owners.
