Transport Ministry Prioritizes High-Power EV Charging on Highways to Tackle "Hard-to-Find, Long-Line" Issues

On March 9, Liu Wei, Minister of Transport, announced that this year the ministry will launch an initiative to upgrade and enhance service areas along expressways, with a key focus on improving high-power charging capacity to alleviate the difficulties faced by new energy vehicle owners—namely, the challenges of "finding charging stations and enduring long queues" on highways. Currently, charging infrastructure coverage in expressway service areas nationwide has reached 98.8%. Additionally, the ministry will advance age-friendly renovations of restrooms in service areas, increasing the proportion of seated toilets to over 20%, and expand the coverage of "Driver's Homes" to improve basic living conditions for truck drivers during their journeys. The ministry will also develop service brands such as "Silver-Haired Trains" and direct shuttle services to tourist attractions, promote convenient intermodal travel options like air-rail and road-air integration, and strengthen transportation support during peak holiday travel periods.