EV Recharge Stations: How to Avoid Peak-Time Pricing

# How to Avoid Peak-Time Pricing: Smart Strategies for EV Charging  

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, charging costs have become a significant part of owners' daily expenses. However, many EV drivers face the issue of "price surges" during peak hours—charging at highway rest stops can cost up to ¥1.98/kWh, while nearby stations may only charge ¥1.14/kWh at the same time. This article provides practical strategies to help you avoid peak pricing and charge your EV more economically.  

## 1. The "3-Kilometer Golden Charging Zone" Strategy  

Highway service area charging stations are typically much more expensive than those in surrounding areas. An effective approach is to exit the highway and search for charging stations within a 3-kilometer radius. For example, at the G40 Biyang Expressway section, the charging price at a service area at 4 PM is ¥1.85/kWh, while a station just 1 km off the highway costs only ¥0.89/kWh. Use navigation apps like Gaode or Baidu Maps to filter nearby charging stations, prioritizing major brands like State Grid, Star Charge, or TELD. This not only saves money but also avoids long queues at service areas.  

## 2. Master Off-Peak Charging Timing  

Most charging stations implement time-of-use pricing. For instance, at one service area:  

- **Peak hours (4:00 PM–11:59 PM):** ¥1.85/kWh  

- **Standard hours (6:00 AM–11:00 AM, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM):** ¥1.42/kWh  

- **Off-peak hours (12:00 AM–6:00 AM, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM):** ¥1.09/kWh  

Plan charging sessions during low-rate periods, such as lunch breaks (11 AM–2 PM) or overnight. Smart chargers like the **BULL 7KW Charger** offer scheduled charging to automate this process.  

## 3. Leverage Membership Discounts & Charging Cards  

Many charging platforms offer membership discounts or prepaid credits. For example, some charging cards allow you to buy ¥130 worth of charging for just ¥100—a 24% discount. Certain automakers, like Volkswagen, also provide reward points that can be exchanged for charging credits, locking in lower rates regardless of real-time pricing.  

## 4. Watch Out for Hidden Fees  

Be mindful of additional costs like parking fees or idle fees. Some stations impose steep penalties (up to ¥6.4 per minute, or ¥384 per hour) if you don’t move your car after charging. Set a reminder to unplug promptly or choose stations with free parking.  

By optimizing charging times, locations, and discounts, EV owners can significantly cut costs. For someone driving **5,000 km annually on highways**, these strategies could save around **¥1,000 per year**. Smart charging isn’t just about saving money—it enhances the overall EV experience.