Will the ETC in the car run out of power?

[SanHadley]

The ETC in the car can run out of power. Currently, ETC devices come in two power supply modes: one uses solar panels for charging, and the other uses 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 typically lasts for 3 years under normal use. For those who do not frequently use ETC, it is recommended to charge the ETC device every 3 months to effectively mitigate the impact of natural battery discharge on its lifespan. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, which means electronic toll system. To apply for ETC, the vehicle owner must provide original and photocopied versions of their valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is made by a non-owner, the agent's valid ID card must also be provided. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is required. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own the vehicle in their name. The prerequisite for application is that the owner must be at least 18 years old, own a legitimate vehicle, and have no bad credit history. For corporate applications, an organization code or business license must also be provided. How ETC works: The onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at toll stations. Through networked computer technology, transactions are settled in the background with the bank, allowing vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping at toll booths. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping; Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing the frequency of starts and stops; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more advanced, faster, and higher-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[LaZane]

I've been driving for decades and am very familiar with ETC devices. The ETC in the car can indeed run out of battery, especially when parked for long periods in garages or places without sunlight, as the solar panel can't charge. For example, once I was on a business trip for half a month, parked underground, and the ETC's red light blinked and stopped working, with the toll station directly indicating an abnormality. The service point replaced the battery, and they said it's a lithium battery with a lifespan of three to five years—aging or hot weather accelerating power drain is normal. They advised car owners to regularly drive out to charge in the sun and check that the indicator light is green for normal operation, addressing any issues early for safety.

[JulianaMarie]

As someone who enjoys tinkering with electronic devices, I see that the core of ETC is a built-in rechargeable lithium battery supported by a solar system. The reasons for power depletion include insufficient exposure to sunlight or battery aging, typically leading to failure within three to five years when the indicator light goes out and toll collection fails. The detection method involves parking to observe the light status or testing at a toll station. Regularly parking the car in a sunny spot can assist in charging and prevent power depletion issues. Choosing high-quality ETC or newer devices with low-battery alerts can significantly reduce malfunctions.

[FinnLynn]

Don't panic when you find your ETC malfunctioning—it might just be a dead battery. I've experienced toll collection failures at stations while driving daily, but leaving the car in sunlight for half a day to recharge solved it. Battery issues are common and easy to handle: visit a service center for replacement or buy compatible batteries for self-installation. For long parking periods, remember to move the vehicle outdoors so the solar panel can work and prevent power drainage.