How to Charge New Energy Vehicles on Highways?
4 Answers
Currently, the construction of charging piles along domestic highways in China is primarily managed by the State Grid Corporation, with charging services already available between some major cities. Here is relevant information: 1. Preparations: The most crucial task before driving an electric vehicle is advance planning, especially based on your car's battery range, and timely scheduling of charging at charging piles. During highway driving, closely monitor the battery range. Power consumption is relatively rapid on highways, so even if it drops below 50%, stay vigilant. If you encounter a service area, try to recharge as much as possible to prevent insufficient battery range. 2. Emergency Measures: If a similar issue occurs during an accident, merge into the emergency lane as soon as possible while ensuring safety from behind. Activate hazard lights. All occupants must exit the vehicle immediately and place a safety warning sign 100 meters away while ensuring their own safety.
I've driven my new energy vehicle on long-distance trips many times, and charging on the highway is actually quite simple. First, use mobile apps like e-Charge or State Grid software to check the status of charging piles at service areas along the route in advance—don’t wait until the battery drops below 30%. Once in the service area, park in a dedicated charging spot; I usually opt for DC fast chargers—just plug in the gun, scan the code, and pay to start. Fast charging typically takes about half an hour to reach 80% battery, costing around 40-50 yuan. The key is planning your route to avoid peak times, otherwise you might end up waiting in line. Use the break to grab a meal or stretch your legs. Also, remember to check that the charging port on your car is clean and unobstructed to ensure a smooth process and avoid wasting time. Frequent travelers develop the habit of checking charging station locations every 100 kilometers, ensuring a worry-free journey without the fear of running out of power.
I'm very interested in technology, so I've studied the details of high-speed charging. The entire process relies on DC fast charging systems operating at service areas with high current and rapid speed. For someone like me using a 400V-supported vehicle, a half-hour charge can add 200 km of range. The mobile app is crucial—it shows real-time availability of charging piles and even allows reservations to avoid wasting time in queues. Personally, I enjoy testing different charging stations' features, such as some piles that allow adjusting power output to address vehicle compatibility issues. Although most follow the national standard interface, it's best to check the vehicle manual in advance. During charging, I monitor the progress bar on the app to ensure stability and unplug before completion to avoid overcharging. Costs are transparent, typically paid via QR code at a few cents per kWh, working out to half the cost of refueling. As technology advances, ultra-fast charging will become more widespread, making the process even more efficient. I look forward to more service areas adding these facilities.
When driving a new energy vehicle on the highway, the most cost-effective considerations are charging expenses and time. I've done the math myself—a fast charge typically costs around 40 to 60 yuan and can cover several hundred kilometers, which is much cheaper than gasoline. However, you need to allocate about half an hour for charging. I always use this time to take a break, use the restroom, or grab a coffee, saving on additional parking fees while also relaxing. I recommend avoiding holiday peak hours for charging, as service areas are less crowded, chargers are more available, and the process is faster, preventing wasted time in queues. Using navigation apps to check for low-cost charging periods, such as during off-peak electricity rates, can save more money, though highway service stations usually have fixed prices that aren’t as economical as home chargers. In the long run, with lower electricity costs, driving expenses are significantly reduced—just plan your trip well to avoid unnecessary anxiety.
