More EV charging spots relieve range anxiety

To further assist drivers, a dedicated staff member is available to help those unfamiliar with the charging stations. Any issues are immediately reported to the maintenance team, which can typically resolve problems within minutes.

The government and service providers have also introduced real-time tracking tools to enhance the charging experience for travelers. Through apps and smart systems, drivers can check the availability of charging stations in advance, allowing for better trip planning.

As travelers navigate expressways during the Spring Festival travel rush, electronic signs near service areas like Daguan display alerts such as "Charging devices available at the upcoming rest area", helping drivers plan ahead and easing concerns about charging on their journeys.

According to the Chongqing Expressway Group, charging infrastructure now spans all service areas along Chongqing's expressways, with the number of charging bays more than doubling over the past year. There are 1,573 charging bays across the network's service areas, accounting for about 10 percent of all parking bays for small passenger vehicles.

The initiatives undertaken at the Daguan Service Area and across the Chongqing expressway network are part of a nationwide endeavor to enhance the charging experience for EV owners. Numerous expressway service areas nationwide have implemented similar initiatives to facilitate drivers in locating charging stations during their travels.

Liu Xin, a senior engineer and researcher at the China Academy of Transportation Sciences, emphasized the significant changes witnessed in Spring Festival travel.

"Since 2020, a notable shift in people's travel habits and preferences has occurred. The demand for privacy and safety has notably increased, rendering private car travel an increasingly favored choice for many individuals since 2023. Consequently, the number of individuals traveling by car is now included in Spring Festival travel statistics, with private car travel accounting for approximately 80 percent of total passenger flow," Liu said.

The number of self-driving trips was included in the Spring Festival travel statistics for the first time in 2023. Before then, only commercial passenger transport volume was counted.

Regarding EVs, Liu highlighted China's expansive road network, which encompasses the lengthiest expressway network. This infrastructure serves as a robust foundation for the burgeoning popularity of private car travel. Increasingly, individuals are opting to drive themselves due to the robust foundation laid for such travel.

"By enhancing service capabilities and infrastructure, China has empowered individuals to confidently drive their EVs and return home without concerns of running out of charge. Improved services have played a pivotal role in supporting travel during Spring Festival, ensuring swift and safe journeys home," he said.