Li Auto to implement overtime fees at supercharging stations starting mid-Dec.

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chinese new energy vehicle maker Li Auto will begin trialing an "overtime fee" operation at its supercharging stations in mid-December this year to enhance service efficiency and improve the charging experience for all users, the company announced a few days ago via its WeChat account.

Photo credit: Li Auto

The introduction of this fee is to address complaints from users about fully charged vehicles occupying charging spots for extended periods. Li Auto emphasized that the fee aims to improve user satisfaction rather than generate profit. Proceeds will be allocated to the daily management, maintenance, and upgrades of supercharging stations to ensure a more comfortable charging environment.

Under the policy, a vehicle owner will have 15 minutes to unplug and vacate the charging spot after the charging session is complete. Failure to do so will result in an overtime fee of 2 yuan per minute, capped at 200 yuan per session.

Li Auto will notify users at four intervals: shortly before charging completion, upon completion, 10 minutes after completion, and 15 minutes after completion. Alerts will be sent via the Li Auto app, SMS (short message service), or phone calls to ensure users vacate the spot in time.

The overtime fee system will apply to all NEV brands using Li Auto's supercharging stations. Detailed guidelines and query options for the new policy will be included in the trial phase announcement. Feedback collected during the trial phase will help refine the policy.

As of November 29, Li Auto has deployed 1,100 supercharging stations across China, including over 600 highway stations and nearly 500 urban stations, reflecting the company's commitment to expanding its charging network.