北京共享充电宝改按分钟计费，贵了？

Core Viewpoint - The charging rules for shared power banks in Beijing have shifted from fixed time intervals (30 or 60 minutes) to a per-minute billing system, leading to increased costs for consumers despite the intention of more precise billing [1][4][5]. Pricing Changes - Many shared power bank brands, including Meituan, have adjusted their pricing to a per-minute basis, with common rates around 0.08 to 0.12 yuan per minute [4][5]. - For example, a power bank that previously cost 3 yuan for 30 minutes now costs 7.2 yuan for an hour under the new pricing structure, representing a significant increase [4][5]. - Specific instances show that the cost for using a power bank for one hour has risen from 4 yuan to 6 yuan, marking a 50% increase [4]. Consumer Experience - Consumers have reported that while the new per-minute billing may seem cheaper for short usage, it can lead to higher costs for longer usage times compared to the previous fixed-rate system [5][6]. - A case study indicated that using a power bank for 26 minutes now costs more than the previous flat rate for 30 minutes, highlighting the potential for increased expenses [6]. Market Variability - There is a lack of consistency in pricing even within the same brand, as different locations may charge different rates for the same service, leading to confusion among consumers [7]. - For instance, within a short distance, three different locations of the same brand charged 7.2 yuan, 6 yuan, and 4.8 yuan for similar services, indicating a chaotic pricing environment [7]. Industry Response - The shift to per-minute billing is aimed at meeting diverse consumer needs, but the industry faces challenges in standardizing pricing and ensuring transparency [7].