How is the ETC device powered?

[Quentin]

There are two types of ETC devices: one is solar-powered, and this type of ETC does not require charging as it uses its own built-in power source. The ETC electronic tag consumes power, but it does not need regular charging during normal use because there is a solar panel on the back of the battery that can charge itself. During installation, it is necessary to avoid the black areas on the windshield. The other type requires wired charging, and if it is not used frequently, it is recommended to charge it once every two to three months. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, which means electronic toll collection 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. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own the vehicle. For company vehicles, the required documents are: A letter of introduction from the vehicle owner (with company seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with company seal); original ID card of the agent; original driving license of the vehicle; the vehicle that needs ETC. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: reduces noise and exhaust emissions as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping; Cost-saving: reduces wear and tear and fuel consumption by minimizing vehicle starts and stops, and users can enjoy toll discounts; Efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase passing efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: many car models have windshields with a large tilt angle, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: the ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement because it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: the button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: the ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to avoid automatic toll payment for the vehicle in front. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to toll deduction failure. If a debit card is bound to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.

[Eugenia]

I've been driving for over a decade, and the ETC device mainly gets power by plugging into the cigarette lighter. When the car is running, it receives 12V power input from the car battery and operates normally. During regular highway driving, it automatically draws power to recharge its built-in lithium battery. When it runs out of power, I just plug it in for a while to charge—very convenient. Some newer models even come with solar panels, which can assist in charging when parked in sunlight, preventing a complete power drain. I remember once during a long trip, the cigarette lighter had poor contact, and the ETC light wouldn't turn on. After cleaning the dust from the plug, it worked again. For long-term parking, it's best to unplug it to avoid draining the car battery. If plugging it in doesn't work, chances are the cigarette lighter fuse is blown—just check the manual and replace it; it's simple. During installation, avoid tampering with the wiring; the professional-recommended direct wiring solution is safe and reliable. Overall, it relies on the car's power supply without affecting driving, but the key is to regularly check the connection points to ensure they're not loose.