As China's 2026 Spring Festival travel rush begins this week, a record 380 million new energy vehicle (NEV) trips are projected nationwide during the 40-day period. With peak expressway traffic expected to reach 71 million daily vehicle trips, authorities are deploying advanced charging infrastructure to ensure smooth journeys for millions of families reuniting across the Chinese mainland.
Charging Network Expansion
The Ministry of Transport reports 71,500 operational charging piles now cover 98% of expressway service areas, including 20,000 high-capacity units installed in 2025. "This infrastructure allows most NEVs to recharge within 30 minutes," explained a transport official, noting the system's ability to handle this year's anticipated 9.5 million daily NEV expressway trips.
Next-Generation Solutions
The National Energy Administration plans to deploy 40,000 ultra-fast charging connectors (60kW+) by 2027, with current installations already reducing queue times by 40% compared to 2025 levels. Real-time charging station availability updates through navigation apps now help drivers optimize rest stops along popular routes like Beijing-Shanghai and Guangzhou-Chengdu.
