How Much Does It Cost to Charge at a Highway Service Area?

The cost of charging your electric vehicle at a highway service area depends on the amount of electricity you use and the pricing structure of the charging station. Let's take the Tesla Model 3 Long Range as an example. With a battery capacity of 75 kWh, it typically requires about 70-80 kWh to fully charge.

Highway charging stations are predominantly built by the State Grid Corporation, which sets the rates based on different time periods:

Peak Hours (8:00-11:00, 18:00-23:00): Charging costs, including service fees, range from 1.6 to 1.8 yuan per kWh.

Off-Peak Hours (23:00-7:00): The cost is lower, at 0.9 to 1.2 yuan per kWh.

Standard Hours (7:00-8:00, 11:00-18:00): Prices range from 1.3 to 1.5 yuan per kWh.

Considering these rates, fully charging a Tesla Model 3 Long Range at a highway service area could cost approximately 70 to 144 yuan. However, rates can vary by location and charging station brand, so these figures are for reference only.

Estimating Your Charging Costs

To estimate the cost for your own electric vehicle, you need to know your car’s battery capacity and check the charging rates at nearby stations using navigation apps. This will help you calculate the exact cost of charging on the go.

How to Use Highway Charging Stations

Connect the Charging Cable:

Locate and open your car's charging port.

Insert the charging plug into the port, ensuring both the plug and port are clean and dry before connecting.

Start Charging:

Once the charging station and vehicle are successfully connected, initiate the charging process via the station's display screen or your car's interface.

Select Charging Mode:

Choose the appropriate charging mode based on your needs and press the corresponding button on the display.

Swipe Card to Start Charging:

Place your charging card on the station's sensor area. The system will read your card data and begin the charging process.

Complete Charging and Payment:

After charging, press "End Charging," then swipe your card to pay. The system will then stop the charging process, and you can safely disconnect the charging cable and return it to the station.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient charging experience at any highway service area.