When you a electric car If you own or plan to buy one, you are probably at least partially reliant on public charging stations to charge your vehicle on the go. Charging stations, also known as charging points or charging stations, offer electric car owners the opportunity to charge their vehicles. In this article, we will take a closer look at charging options for electric cars and discuss their benefits as well as some important aspects of using them.
The benefits of public charging stations
Using public charging stations for electric cars offers a number of benefits:
- Charging infrastructure availability: Public charging stations create a broad charging infrastructure that enables electric car owners to charge their vehicles anywhere. This increases range and flexibility during long trips or in areas where private charging stations are not available.
- Quick charging: Public charging stations are often equipped with high performance and allow you to quickly charge your electric car. You can recharge enough energy to continue your journey in a short time.
- Reliability and compatibility: Public charging stations are specifically designed for charging electric vehicles and provide a reliable power supply. They are compatible with common plug types and charging cables, so you can easily connect your electric car.
- additional services: Many public charging points offer additional services such as WLAN, parking facilities or charging points near shopping centers or restaurants. This allows you to make good use of the charging time or to make your stay more pleasant.
Aspects of using public charging stations
Before you use public charging stations for your electric car, there are a few important aspects to consider:
- Charging cards or apps: Some public charging stations require a charging card or mobile app to access the power supply. Find out in advance what type of authentication is required and whether you have the card or app you need.
- Charging prices and billing: The Charging costs at charging stations may vary depending on operator and location. Review the pricing structure and billing method to get a better understanding of costs.
- Charging cables and plug types: It is advisable to bring your own charging cable, as not all public charging stations have charging cables. Make sure you get the right one plug type use for your electric car.
- Availability and waiting times: Sometimes public charging stations may be busy or there may be waiting times, especially at busy locations. It is advisable to know alternative charging points nearby to avoid bottlenecks.
Private charging stations (wallbox) for electric cars
Private charging stations, also known as wallboxes, are a popular option for electric car owners who want to conveniently charge their vehicle at home. One Wallbox is a special charging station that is installed on the wall of your garage or carport and allows you to charge your electric car quickly and reliably. With a private charging station, you can charge your electric car overnight or during the day without relying on public charging stations. Installing a wallbox usually requires the assistance of an electrical contractor to ensure that it meets local regulations and safety standards. A private charging station gives you the convenience of having your electric car fully charged and ready to go at any time without having to rely on external charging options.
Charging options for electric cars
There are various types of charging options for electric cars, which differ in their charging speeds:
- household power outlet: Charging via a conventional household socket is the slowest charging option. The charging capacity is usually 2 kw up to 3.7 kW, which means that charging an electric car can take several hours or even overnight. This method is best for everyday use when there is enough time to recharge.
- Wallbox: One Wallbox is a special charging station that is usually installed at home. It offers a higher charging capacity than a household socket and enables faster charging. Depending on the model and installation, the charging capacity of a wallbox can be between 3.7 kW and 22 kW. This allows faster charging and significantly reduces charging time.
- AC charging station: AC charging stations, also known as AC charging stations, are public charging points that offer a higher charging capacity than a household outlet. Depending on the model and installation, the charging capacity of an AC charging station can be between 7 kW and 22 kW. This allows you to charge your electric car faster and is ideal for use while shopping, in parking garages or in public places.
- DC fast charging station: DC fast charging stations are the fastest charging options for electric cars. They use direct current (DC) and offer high charging capacities. Depending on the model, the charging capacity of DC fast charging stations can range between 50 kW and several hundred kW. With this type of charging station, an electric car can receive a significant amount of energy in a short period of time, which is ideal for long-distance trips or fast charging networks.
- HPC charging station: HPC stands for high power charging and describes charging stations with extremely high charging capacity. These charging stations are generally used in commercial or industrial environments and offer charging capacities ranging from 150 kW to 350 kW or even higher. HPC charging stations enable very fast charging and are ideal for long distances or use in fleet vehicles.