Does ETC Need to Be Charged?

[DelRicardo]

ETC devices are divided into wired charging and solar panel charging. Solar panel ETC does not require charging, while wired charging ETC needs to be charged using a charger. Detailed materials required for unit vehicles to apply for ETC: Introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal). Copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal). Original ID card of the agent. Original vehicle license. Vehicle requiring ETC application. Materials required for company vehicles: Introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); Copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); Original ID card of the agent; Original vehicle license; Vehicle requiring ETC application. Both types of ETC electronic tags have internal batteries. Solar-powered ETC devices do not require charging during daily driving, and the lithium battery can last for 3 years under normal use. However, for those who do not use ETC frequently, it is recommended to charge the ETC device every 3 months to effectively mitigate the impact of natural battery discharge on its lifespan. ETC is the abbreviation for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, the owner must provide the original and copy of their valid ID and vehicle license. If the application is handled by a non-owner, the agent's valid ID must also be provided. The copy of the vehicle license must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp; a bank card for deducting highway toll fees; age between 18 and 60; and the vehicle must be under the individual's name. How ETC works: Through the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. Using computer networking technology, it settles accounts with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping when passing through toll stations. Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Avoid the hassle of queuing and waiting; Green and eco-friendly: Low carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Reduce wear and tear: Save costs, decrease the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, reduce wear and fuel consumption, and users can enjoy toll discounts; Improve efficiency: The theoretical passing efficiency of ETC lanes can be increased by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and higher-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. Below are precautions for installing ETC:

[LeonardoRose]

I've been driving on highways for several years, and using ETC is really hassle-free. This thing hardly needs charging. It comes with built-in solar panels, and just placing it on the windshield to get some sunlight automatically charges it, saving me the trouble. My neighbor's car has been using it for over five years without ever manually charging it, and it still works perfectly. However, you should pay attention to the device's status—if toll stations frequently fail to recognize it, the battery might be aging and need replacement. The battery life of an ETC device generally ranges from five to ten years, depending on the brand and usage frequency. I recommend regularly checking it at toll station test points or using your phone's flashlight to see if the indicator light is on, which tells you whether it still has enough power. Keeping the windshield clean and avoiding obstructions can also extend its lifespan.

[KaiRose]

As a car enthusiast, I've studied the structure of ETC devices. They rely on solar power and have a small built-in battery for energy storage, so there's usually no need to charge them separately. The principle is actually quite cool – it remains operational as long as there's light. I've disassembled old devices and found the battery lifespan is impressively long, lasting five to eight years without issues. If it suddenly stops working, it's mostly due to component aging or wiring problems, and you can simply get a replacement at an ETC service center. The newer models even come with an energy-saving mode, making them durable in low temperatures. In car enthusiast groups, we've discussed how winter frost might affect performance, but it generally doesn't cause power failures. I use Amap to record each transaction, and the green status bar indicates sufficient power. Overall, the device is well-designed, requiring almost no user intervention.