Things to Know before Taking a Road Trip to Mainland China

Since the launch of the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme on 1 June 2023 by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong, locals have been flocking to Mainland China in record numbers, traveling to Shenzhen and neighboring cities in the Greater Bay area for business and leisure. The quota-free scheme allows eligible Hong Kong private cars to cross the border via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and stay for up to 30 consecutive days upon each entry, and no more than a total for 180 days within a year.

 

However, a weekend getaway requires proper planning, especially for electric car owners, to prevent the unfortunate situation of getting stranded. Here we have gathered some top tips to make your road trip successful and safe: 

 

Understanding EV Range

 

Unlike conventional vehicles with a gasoline or diesel-powered engine, a fully charged electric vehicles (EV) has a limited driving range of 200 to 400 km, depending on the model. For long-distance travel, it is crucial to schedule in charging stops along the way to solve "range anxiety", which refers to a common worry experienced by EV owners surrounding insufficient battery charge and charging stations to complete the journey. 

 

Although China boasts one of the largest EV charging networks in the world with more than 1.76 million public stations, charging facilities for electric cars are still less readily available in comparison to traditional fuel stations, especially if you are traveling to prefecture capital cities or county level cities. It is best to study the route of travel in detail and consider going for more popular routes with regular charging stations on the way, so you can grab a bite or take a break between stops. 

 

Scheduling Regular Stops

 

Prolonged high heat stresses the EV battery and speeds up degradation, which is why fast chargers slow down as the battery gets closer to being fully charged to prevent overheating. Therefore, shorter and more occasional charging stops are preferred to save time and maximize battery life. 

 

The best practice to improve battery life is to charge when the battery falls between the green zone of 20% and 80%, so installing EV apps which can identify nearby charging facilities will help optimize your journey - all you have to do is scan the QR code and start charging. A good online map is also another must-have for checking real-time traffic conditions and detours.

 

Pre-conditioning your Car

 

Inspect and precondition your vehicle to enhance EV range and battery cost efficiency. This can be done simply by scheduling your desired departure time through the manufacturer’s dedicated smartphone app. The battery will then be automatically warmed up to the optimal temperature range. The entire procedure requires the vehicle to be plugged in and can take up to an hour. 

 

Lower temperatures make the process of transforming chemical energy to electrical form more difficult, which is why this step is especially important during the colder winter months. Pre-conditioning not only prepares the battery for a long journey, but also creates a more enjoyable driving experience with the cabin temperature being conditioned simultaneously

 

Opting for Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

 

Whilst strict plans for a road trip need not be made with the help of modern technology and smartphone apps, car insurance is a must. Whether you are going on a cross-border adventure with family and friends, or traveling for business, it is crucial to review your insurance coverage before embarking on any journey to preempt unforeseen situations.

 

To qualify for the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme, private cars entering Guangdong province must fulfil insurance requirements in both Hong Kong and Mainland China, which means car owners will have to take out the statutory "Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicle” required by PRC law to drive in Mainland China. 

 

To encourage more residents to travel across the Greater Bay region, the “Unilateral Recognition" policy has been implemented where selected third-party insurance policies issued by Hong Kong insurance companies have been allowed to extend coverage to encompass the mandatory traffic accident liability insurance in Mainland China. 

 

As a 100% owned subsidiary of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group with a global presence spanning across 5 continents and 29 countries, Liberty Insurance is honored to be one of the first insurers in Hong Kong to provide the “Liberty Drive to China Motor Insurance”, which comprises both the "Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicle" and "Commercial Third-Party Liability Insurance".

 

If you are planning to schedule weekend getaways or family visits or require frequent travel within the Greater Bay region due to work purposes, keep your journey fuss-free with the all-inclusive insurance program. All existing individual motor insurance policyholders insured by Liberty Insurance are eligible to apply for the “Liberty Drive to China Motor Insurance”, with the freedom to choose between the 30-day policy or full-year policy. There will be no add-on fees and there is no need to purchase a separate insurance scheme. 

Discover more about Liberty Drive to China Motor Insurance 

Driving with Peace of Mind

 

After applying for the insurance online, make sure to collect the electronic vehicle license number and print out the policy documents. In the unfortunate event of a traffic accident, the Liberty China team will take care of your queries, offering 24-hour Emergency Assistance and WeChat Official Account Online Claim Service for your peace of mind while traveling. 

 

As a final step, do not forget to register the private car with Mainland China Customs and Border Inspection Department. Now that you have got everything covered, you are all set for your road trip. Safe travels and we hope you have a great time exploring China!