As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, China's highways are gearing up for an unprecedented surge in electric vehicle (EV) charging. According to the State Grid Corporation of China, daily highway charging volumes are expected to average over 7.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the upcoming eight-day holiday starting January 28, marking a 52-percent year-on-year increase.
The single-day peak charging volume is projected to exceed 9 million kWh, expanding by 34 percent compared to the same period last year. This spike is largely anticipated on the peak travel days of January 26 and 27, when charging demand is set to surge between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. as millions of travelers take to the roads.
To accommodate this rising demand, China has accelerated the construction of charging infrastructure. By the end of 2024, 98 percent of highway service areas are equipped with charging facilities, boasting a total of 35,000 charging poles. This extensive network ensures that EV drivers have ample access to charging stations throughout their journeys.
Moreover, the number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in use in China reached an impressive 31.4 million by the end of 2024. This 260-fold surge over the past decade is attributed to significant advancements in NEV technology, the enhancement of charging infrastructure, and the growing eco-friendly awareness among Chinese consumers.
As China continues to lead in the adoption of electric vehicles, the seamless integration of robust charging networks plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
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China's highways to see record EV charging during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
