Jinan EV Owner’s Battery Damaged During Charging; Charging Station Firm Dodges Responsibility

On January 13, Mr. Li, a car owner from Shanghe County in Jinan, found his vehicle unable to drive after charging it at a charging station. Inspections by the authorized dealership and the battery manufacturer confirmed that the battery was damaged due to excessive charging current—the vehicle’s maximum allowable charging current is 177A, but the actual peak charging current reached 192.5A. The repair costs are estimated at approximately RMB 800,000 to 900,000. Mr. Li filed a compensation claim with the charging station operator, Shandong Bengang Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd. Initially, the company stated it would contact its insurer for a claim, but later reversed its position, asserting that the charging pile’s data was normal and that it bore no liability. Local market regulators have now intervened and plan to facilitate negotiations between both parties; if no resolution is reached, they advised Mr. Li to pursue legal action to protect his rights.