This May Day holiday has become a boost for new energy vehicle (NEV) travel across the Chinese mainland, as smart charging solutions and high-tech innovations make long-distance journeys more convenient than ever. With an extended break starting May 1, travelers are seizing the opportunity to explore, relax, and enjoy the festivities, while NEV owners benefit from a rapidly growing network of charging options ⚡.
According to the National Energy Administration, over 13.7 million charging units were installed by the end of March 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 47%. Busy service areas, particularly along highways, now feature amenities like charging lounges, on-site technical support, and even mobile charging vehicles that promptly address urgent needs.
In Beijing, NEV owner Liu Jiangtao shared his experience: "The charging service is really smart. There are plenty of chargers here, and it's really convenient. Plus, there's even a lounge to rest in." Yang Guang, deputy general manager at State Grid (Beijing) New Energy Vehicle Co., added that mobile charging vehicles have proven flexible in handling holiday rush demands.
Technological innovations are transforming the charging landscape. Automated robots, smart monitoring systems, and ultra-fast charging stations are cutting wait times dramatically. At the Cicheng service area in east China's Zhejiang Province, 47 chargers were operating at full capacity, and on the Rongcheng-Wuhai Expressway, new 160-kilowatt dual-gun chargers reduced waiting times by 70%.
Meanwhile, in Shenzhen's popular Dameisha coastal destination, an ultra-fast demonstration charging station equipped with 600-kilowatt liquid-cooled technology enables an NEV to gain up to 500 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes. Complemented by a mix of fast, slow, and V2G chargers serving multiple vehicles simultaneously, these innovations are making travel smoother and more reliable.
Coordinated efforts are underway to draft new guidelines for building high-power charging stations, prioritizing highways and mega-cities alike to serve taxis, commercial vehicles, and private cars. With more than 38,000 charging units along highways covering 98% of service areas, the future of NEV travel on the Chinese mainland is looking brighter—and more electrifying—than ever.
Reference(s):
China powers up NEV travel infrastructure for May Day holiday surge
cgtn.com
