Dateline: February 25, 2026 — The just-concluded 2026 Spring Festival holiday has not only witnessed a massive flow of people but also highlighted the vigorous development of China's new energy industry. According to the latest data released by the National Energy Administration, the electricity consumption for electric vehicle (EV) charging on national highways during this year's holiday hit a record high, soaring by over 50% compared to last year.
Charging Piles Face the "Spring Festival Rush"
During the nine-day holiday (February 15-23), the average daily charging volume for EVs on national highways reached 16.6408 million kWh, a sharp increase of 52.01% from the 2025 Spring Festival holiday. The significant rise in both the number of charging sessions and the average power draw indicates a substantial increase in long-distance travel and inter-provincial journeys by EV owners.
Ensuring a Smooth Journey
To cope with this immense pressure and ensure new energy vehicle owners could return home and head back to work smoothly, authorities took proactive measures:
-
Pre-holiday Inspections: The National Energy Administration organized special patrols and inspections of charging facilities at major highway service areas before the holiday, promptly eliminating faults and ensuring high equipment availability.
-
Deploying "Mobile Power Banks": To address potential queues at popular service areas, mobile charging vehicles and charging robots were deployed along key routes. These flexible solutions effectively supplemented fixed charging piles and provided emergency services for anxious车主s.
-
Guiding Off-Peak Charging: Charging operators released real-time occupancy information via apps and mini-programs, helping drivers plan their routes efficiently and reduce waiting times.
Looking Ahead
This successful "stress test" during the Spring Festival peak provides valuable insights. With the implementation of the national "Three-Year Doubling" action plan, charging infrastructure will become denser, more powerful, and better distributed, paving the way for an even more effortless "fully charged" travel experience in the future.
March 23, 2026
