BEIJING: China recorded a 55.6% year-on-year surge in highway electric vehicle charging on the first day of the May Day holiday, as more drivers turned to new energy vehicles (NEVs) for long-distance travel.
Data released by the National Energy Administration showed that highway charging demand exceeded 23 million kilowatt-hours, based on monitoring of more than 57,000 charging facilities across the country. The rise highlights a shift in travel behaviour as electric vehicles become more viable for intercity journeys.
According to the Ministry of Transport of China, an estimated 15.4 million NEVs are expected to be on highways daily during the holiday period, accounting for about 24% of total traffic and marking a 33% increase from last year.
EV travel expands beyond cities
Officials and industry experts say improvements in battery performance and wider charging access are enabling more drivers to use electric vehicles for longer trips, including cross-provincial travel during peak holiday seasons.
The trend reflects a broader transition in China’s transport sector, where NEVs are increasingly replacing conventional vehicles for both urban and long-distance use.
Charging network supports rising demand
China’s charging infrastructure has expanded rapidly, with more than 21 million charging points nationwide and full township-level coverage in 19 provinces.
Authorities said efforts are underway to upgrade older facilities and deploy temporary charging units along highways to manage peak demand and ensure consistent service during the holiday rush.
Officials added that the continued growth in NEV adoption is expected to further increase demand for charging services, particularly during major travel periods.
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