The Essentials of EV Charging

Charging an electric vehicle is simple, but understanding the nuances of power and hardware can save you hours of time and significant money. This guide covers the fundamentals of the European charging infrastructure.

1. Levels of Charging

• AC Charging (Level 2): Most common at homes, hotels, and city streets. It uses the car's onboard charger to convert electricity. Great for overnight or long-stay parking.
• DC Fast Charging (Level 3): Found at highway rest stops. It bypasses the onboard charger to send power directly to the battery, allowing for rapid top-ups during long trips.

2. Connector Types in Europe

While there are several standards globally, Europe primarily uses two main types:

• Type 2 (Mennekes): The standard for AC charging. Almost every European EV and plug-in hybrid uses this.
• CCS2 (Combined Charging System): The standard for DC fast charging. It adds two large pins below the Type 2 entry for high-speed power delivery.

3. Charging Curves & Speed

Did you know your car doesn't charge at the same speed from 0% to 100%? Charging is fastest between 10% and 80%. After 80%, the car slows down the intake to protect the battery cells. To save time and money at fast chargers, it is often better to unplug at 80% and continue your journey.

4. Weather and Performance

Extreme temperatures can affect charging efficiency. In winter, your battery may take longer to reach peak charging speeds. Pre-conditioning your battery (if your car supports it) before arriving at a fast charger can significantly improve performance.

5. Best Practices

To maximize battery longevity, try to keep your daily state of charge between 20% and 80%. Save the 100% charges for long trips where you truly need the extra range.