As millions of travelers prepare for the upcoming Spring Festival, China’s highways are gearing up for a surge in electric vehicle (EV) charging. According to recent data from the State Grid Corporation of China, EV charging on highways is expected to hit record levels during the holiday period.
Daily highway charging volumes are projected to average over 7.5 million kilowatt-hours, marking a significant 52% increase compared to the previous year. On peak days, charging demand could exceed 9 million kilowatt-hours, a 34% rise from the same period last year.
The busiest travel days are anticipated to see a spike in charging demand between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. as travelers journey to celebrate the festival with their families.
To meet this growing demand, China has accelerated the construction of charging infrastructure across its highway network. By recent estimates, 98% of highway service areas are equipped with charging facilities, totaling 35,000 charging poles.
The surge in EV charging reflects China’s rapid adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs). The number of NEVs on the road has reached over 31 million, a remarkable increase over the past decade. This growth is attributed to advancements in NEV technology, expanded charging networks, and a rising eco-consciousness among Chinese people.
The Spring Festival travel rush, known as “Chunyun,” is considered the world’s largest annual human migration. This year, the increasing number of EVs on the road highlights China’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
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China's highways to see record EV charging during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
