Charging electric vehicles is an essential part of the transition to more sustainable modes of transport. Understanding the
Contenu de l'article
Different types of recharging systems for electric vehicles
Charging electric vehicles is a flexible process that varies according to the electrical installation and the type of vehicle. Recharging options range from standard to fast, each responding to different needs and usage scenarios.
Standard and optimized charging
Standard refill
Standard charging, also known as slow charging, uses a cable that connects directly to a conventional household socket. This type of electric vehicle charging is advantageous for users who don’t need to travel long distances every day, or who can leave their vehicle charging for long periods, such as overnight.
Ease of use: No special installation is required. You can charge your electric vehicle simply by plugging it into a standard electrical outlet at home or at work.
Low cost: Avoiding the need for additional equipment, this type of charging requires no initial investment other than the purchase of the charging cable.
Recharging time: This is the slowest option, with recharging times that can extend over several hours. For example, fully recharging a battery can take from 8 to 12 hours, depending on battery capacity and plug power. To find out more about recharging times for electric cars, read our blog post on the subject.
Optimized charging
Optimized charging is achieved using charging stations designed for electric vehicles, offering higher power than standard household sockets. These charging stations are often equipped with type 2 sockets, in line with European standards.
Increased efficiency: Optimized charging stations deliver superior power, significantly reducing the time needed to recharge a battery.
Installation: Requires theinstallation of a home charging station or the use of public charging stations, which may represent a higher initial cost.
Flexibility: Recharging speed can vary. For example, an 11 kW installation will recharge a medium-capacity battery in around 6 to 7 hours, while a 22 kW installation can reduce this time to just 3 hours. Bear in mind, however, that the electrical installation of your home or building will influence a charging station’s ability to deliver its maximum power of 22kW.
Practical example
Let’s take the example of an electric Peugeot that supports different recharging levels. If this Peugeot is equipped to recharge at 11 kW on a tetraphase installation, the full recharge time will be around 6 to 7 hours. However, if the same car is configured to accept recharging at 22 kW on a similar installation, recharging time can be reduced to around 3 hours.
Fast-charging with Fastchargers
Fastchargers represent the fastest type of recharging available for electric vehicles. These stations are equipped with Combo CCS sockets that integrate the functionality of the standard Type 2 socket with two additional pins to support ultra-fast DC charging. These sockets are compatible with all electric vehicles, including Tesla models, thanks to integrated charging configurations.
A Fastcharger can recharge an electric vehicle battery to 100% in just +/- 30 minutes, making it particularly useful for on-the-go recharging, on long journeys or in time-critical emergency situations. These stations are often located in strategic locations such as freeway service areas, large public parking lots and shopping malls, offering maximum accessibility and convenience for drivers.
These various charging methods offer electric vehicle users a range of choices to suit different lifestyles and mobility requirements, making it easier to integrate electric vehicles into a variety of everyday and exceptional scenarios.
What are the different types of connectors for recharging electric vehicles?
Electric vehicle recharging is not just about the energy source; the type of connector used is also important to ensure efficient and safe recharging. Here’s an overview of the main types of connector used, to help you choose the one best suited to your needs.
Type 2 socket
Type 2 plugs are the common standard for all electric vehicles in Europe. It enables flexible, safe recharging, with advanced features that optimally regulate the flow of energy. All vehicles, including Tesla, use this type of connector in Europe.
CCS Combo jack
The Combo CCS connector is mainly used for rapid recharging. It is compatible with all electric vehicles and enables extremely rapid recharging, making vehicles ready to go in less than half an hour.
CHAdeMO socket
Although less common, the CHAdeMO socket is used by some Japanese vehicle models for rapid recharging. In Europe, these sockets are rare, and few vehicles are equipped with them.
Simplified refill types
Electric vehicle charging types are standardized across Europe, enabling users to benefit from a simplified and standardized charging experience, regardless of vehicle or location. This standardization helps to eliminate confusion and make the use of electric vehicles as easy as possible.
Choosing the right charging system for your electric vehicle
The evolution of charging station technologies for electric vehicles makes it easier and more diverse to use this sustainable form of transport. With a range of charging options, from standard to fast, and connectors standardized across Europe, electric vehicles are easily adaptable to diverse needs and lifestyles. This increased accessibility, supported by expanding infrastructure, makes electric mobility viable for a wider public, effectively contributing to a more sustainable future.
Contact Vectura to find out more about charging facilities and to get a personalized consultation on the best solutions for your electric vehicle.
