Is it convenient to charge new energy vehicles on highways?
2 Answers
It is convenient to charge new energy vehicles on highways. Reasons for convenience: Currently, charging piles in service areas along highways across various provinces have achieved comprehensive coverage. Therefore, new energy vehicles can easily charge on highways by utilizing the charging facilities available at major service areas without any hassle. Precautions for highway charging: Many owners choose to wait inside their vehicles while charging. However, due to extreme summer heat and winter cold, it is advisable to avoid using the air conditioning during this time. This is because simultaneous charging and discharging can reduce the lifespan of the battery pack. Additionally, since electric vehicles do not have engine idling, remember to check and ensure the vehicle's power is turned off before leaving.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips in new energy vehicles, I find charging on highways generally quite convenient. I've driven on highways many times and noticed that almost every rest stop has charging stations, especially DC fast chargers, which are quite abundant. The charging speed is fast, taking about 30-40 minutes to reach around 80%. However, during peak hours or on popular routes, you might need to queue up. Once, I waited over an hour for my turn, so I recommend using a map app to check the occupancy rate and locations of chargers in advance. Charging time is a good opportunity to stretch your legs or grab a bite, which also helps avoid fatigue driving. In remote areas like mountainous highways, the coverage is poorer—I’ve encountered situations with limited chargers. But overall, the infrastructure is improving, and charging costs are about half that of fueling a gasoline car, saving a lot of expenses. Planning your route ahead and traveling during off-peak hours can make the trip smoother.
