From：Internet Info Agency 2026-07-29 12:36:09
Multiple public charging stations in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province are exhibiting a “one charger, multiple QR codes” phenomenon, with some charging piles displaying as many as eight different QR codes from over four platforms. Drivers report that scanning to charge feels like “opening a blind box”—not only do they encounter inconsistent pricing for the same charger (“same charger, different prices”), but they also frequently come across advertising codes, loan-related codes, and even suspected phishing links. Accidentally scanning these may redirect users to unfamiliar web pages or automatically add advertisers on WeChat. On-site investigations reveal that the bodies of some charging piles are entirely covered with various small advertisements promoting services such as credit loans, auto body repair and painting, and car rentals, obscuring the official user interface and legitimate QR codes. Most of these advertising QR codes are affixed without authorization by third-party advertisers, and some operators may tacitly permit such practices for financial gain. The lack of routine oversight has allowed this disorder to persist. Industry insiders explain that the “one charger, multiple QR codes” issue stems from the “multi-platform aggregation operation” model. Aggregator platforms do not build their own chargers; instead, they integrate resources from multiple operators and provide access via their own dedicated QR codes. To boost order volume, smaller operators proactively join several aggregator platforms—each new partnership adds another QR code to the charger. Coupled with the absence of unified standards and clear accountability, this results in a single charger simultaneously displaying the operator’s official code alongside multiple aggregator platform codes. Experts advise consumers to prioritize using chargers already included in the government’s “one charger, one code” registration and management system, and to scan non-official QR code stickers with caution. Before making any payment, users should carefully check whether value-added services or insurance products have been pre-selected by default, and remain vigilant against misleading pop-ups offering deals like “first month for ¥0.1” or “free gifts.” If insurance is accidentally purchased, consumers can file a complaint with financial regulators and request cancellation. As of the end of June 2026, China had 5.009 million public charging facilities nationwide, an increase of 22.3% year-on-year. Previously, the industry identified 200 five-star-rated charging stations, involving companies such as TELD, Star Charge, Huawei’s charging ecosystem partners, Li Auto, State Grid and China Southern Power Grid’s local subsidiaries, PetroChina, and Hubei Communications Investment New Energy.
