How to Use Charging Piles at Highway Service Areas?
4 Answers
Highway service area charging pile usage methods are as follows: Obtain a highway-specific charging card. Currently, State Grid charging piles on highways require the use of a 'highway-specific charging card'; regular urban charging cards cannot be used. With a highway-specific card, you can generally charge upon arrival. Vehicle owners can first visit a designated business office to apply for a 'highway-specific charging card'. If it's inconvenient to obtain a highway-specific charging card, you can use the 'phone reservation, guided charging' method. Call the customer service hotline at 95598 at least 45 minutes in advance, or up to 3 days ahead, to reserve charging at a specified service area. Highway charging pile staff will arrive within 45 minutes to provide on-site charging guidance. During the Spring Festival, staff are on duty, so as long as you make a phone reservation, you don't have to worry about not being able to charge. Highway charging card details: Highway charging cards are anonymous, have no password, cannot be reported lost, can be recharged repeatedly, cannot withdraw cash, cannot be overdrawn, and do not accrue interest.
Last week I took my electric car on a long trip and had my first smooth charging experience at a highway service area. First, I drove the car to the charging zone, parked it securely, and turned off the engine before getting out to locate the charging station. Using my phone, I opened the State Grid e-Charge APP, scanned the QR code on the charger, and entered the desired charging amount and payment method. The charging cable was a bit heavy, but I aligned it with the car’s charging port and pushed it in firmly until I heard a click, indicating it was locked. After starting the charge, I went to a nearby convenience store to buy lunch while monitoring the charging progress in real-time on my phone. It took about forty minutes to reach 80%, and the APP automatically settled the payment. When unplugging the cable, I remembered to press the stop button on the charger first. The charging cost just over fifty yuan, which was half the price of refueling. If any issues arise, there are always staff at the service area ready to assist.
As a ride-hailing driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I've learned the ropes of charging at service areas. Upon entering, first check the charging pile indicator lights - only the green ones are available. After parking, don't rush to scan the QR code; it's best to inspect the gun head for any damage first. I prefer using Alipay mini-programs for scanning, with credit card payment linked to avoid prepayment. When inserting the gun, push it firmly all the way in, otherwise poor contact will slow down charging. During summer, I monitor battery temperature and reduce current if it exceeds 40°C. Half an hour of charging provides enough for 200 kilometers, perfect for a meal break. Always confirm the order on your phone when finished, or you might get overcharged. Proper maintenance of charging piles matters - always coil the cables neatly after use.
Using service area charging stations is quite convenient during family road trips. After parking in the charging spot, first lock the car doors and keep the children close. I scan the QR code on the charger with WeChat, select a preset amount for payment without entering complex information. The charging gun is simpler than expected—just align and push it into the socket. While charging, I take the kids to the rest area for ice cream, keeping an eye on the car through the glass. Typically, a 20-minute charge is enough to reach the next attraction, and I go to unplug when I receive the completion alert on my phone. Be careful not to let children touch the charging cable, as the metal head can be a bit dirty. Charging at service areas is slightly more expensive than in the city, but it saves a lot of time when you're in a hurry.
