How is ETC powered?
3 Answers
There are two power supply modes for the ETC in the car, one is using solar panels for charging, and the other is using wired charging. 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 reduce the impact of natural discharge on the battery's lifespan. For solar-powered ETC devices, you can park the car under the sun for a few hours to charge the device. ETC is the abbreviation for Electronic Toll Collection, meaning electronic toll system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the driving license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is needed. The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under a personal name. The working principle of ETC: Through the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane of 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: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Cost-saving: Reduces costs, decreases the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, minimizes wear and fuel consumption, and users can enjoy toll discounts; Improved efficiency: The ETC lane's passing efficiency can theoretically increase by 2-3 times or more, making traditional ETC updates faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
From the perspective of an ordinary car owner, let me talk about ETC power supply. The ETC device mainly relies on the car's own power supply, and in most cases, it connects to the car's electrical system through the cigarette lighter socket, just like plugging in a phone charger. The device comes with a small lithium-ion battery inside, which automatically charges while you drive. When you park and turn off the engine, it can still support short-term communication, such as receiving toll information. After using it for a few years, I found that if the car is parked for too long, say more than two weeks, the battery may run out, causing the ETC to fail. In that case, you need to plug it back into the cigarette lighter to recharge. Some newer ETC models come with solar panels, which are quite convenient as they assist in charging when there's enough sunlight. To avoid power supply issues, I recommend regularly checking if the cigarette lighter port is loose or dirty, as this could lead to power loss. Additionally, if the car battery is aging or the alternator is faulty, it can also affect the power supply. Overall, the power supply is simple but depends on proper car condition management. When installing, go to a professional shop to ensure the wiring is safe, and avoid tampering with the electrical connections yourself.
From a tech enthusiast's perspective on ETC power supply mechanism. The ETC device OBU is ingeniously designed: it typically draws power from the 12V vehicle power supply, either through the cigarette lighter socket or directly connected to the car's electrical circuit. Inside, there's a rechargeable battery, usually lithium-ion type with very low power consumption, just a few watts. I've learned that the OBU's charging during vehicle operation has negligible impact on fuel consumption, and after engine shutdown, the battery powers standby tasks like signal transmission/reception. Some modern versions support solar panels for automatic recharging to reduce battery dependency. This power supply method is reliable but has some potential issues: if a fuse blows or wiring shorts, the ETC will cut out. During maintenance, you can test the cigarette lighter socket voltage to ensure stability. Though the power supply is simple, attention should be paid to the vehicle's overall electrical health to avoid hidden risks.
