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You might already know which type of charging is suitable for your EV, but it is also important to understand how much charging is suitable for it. EV charging speed denotes the rate at which an EV charges and is normally expressed in kW. Generally, the more the charging power, the faster an EV will be charged, although there are a number of things that can affect the rate of charging.
In Europe, it is possible to charge an EV at home, workplaces, public charging spots, and high-power charging stations. Nonetheless, depending on where charging is taking place, it could significantly affect the charging speed. Whereas an EV can charge at a relatively lower rate from a normal AC home charger, it charges at a much faster rate from a compatible DC fast charger. Even in the presence of a high-power charging spot, it is possible that the EV does not accept all its power.
Various things can affect charging speed, such as the capacity and ability of the EV, state of charge, battery temperature, health of the battery, and the kind of charger.
1. Charger Type and Power Output
The biggest factor is the charger itself. When you look at a charger, the power rating is the most power it can give, but it's not a promise of how fast it will charge. Chargers can be grouped into three main categories:
The simplest and slowest way to charge is Level 1, which uses about 2.7 to 3.7kW of power. This will take a long time, about 10-12 hours to fully charge your EV. It is not the fastest option.
When it comes to charging electric vehicles, a Level 2 charger is a great choice- its usual power output is about 3.3 to 19.5 kW. This type of charger is great for homes, offices, and even car parks. It can refill most electric vehicles in about 6 hr hours, which is pretty convenient. Level 3 / DC fast charging (50 kW and above): Built for quick stops, often delivering a substantial charge in 20 to 40 minutes.
For European EV drivers, AC charging may be preferred for home use overnight or at work or destinations where people stay for a longer period of time. However, DC fast charging will come in handy during longer distances traveled by an electric vehicle.
2. Your Vehicle’s Maximum Charging Rate
When it comes to charging your EV, you might be curious about how quickly it can power up. The truth is, every EV has its own limits when it comes to handling power. For instance, if your car is only capable of handling 50 kW, using a 150 kW charger won't give you a speed boost. Some cars allow you to adjust the charging rate, while others have built-in limits to protect the battery.
To avoid wasting money on a home charger that's more powerful than you need, it's a good idea to check your owner's manual to see what your car's limits are. That way, you can make an informed decision and get the right charger for your vehicle. Plus, you'll avoid paying for power that your car can't even use.
This becomes especially relevant when selecting between several AC charging options at home or using a public DC charge network around Europe. For a charger to be able to deliver more power, it must have a greater output rating and must also be compatible with the particular EV.
3. Battery State of Charge
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the vehicle can charge relatively quickly, whether it is connected to an AC or DC supply. However, once the battery reaches around 80%, it usually cannot maintain the same high charging rate, so the charging speed gradually decreases. This is why we generally see the fastest charging between 20% and 80% state of charge, while charging from 80% to 100% is comparatively slower.
Also Read: AC vs DC EV Charging: What is the Difference?
4. Battery Temperature and Weather
When it comes to charging batteries, temperature plays a big role. You see, they work best when it's not too hot or too cold outside - around 20°C is usually considered perfect. But if it's freezing or really hot, the car will slow down the charging process to keep the battery from getting damaged. Most electric vehicles have special systems to control the temperature, but they can't completely eliminate the problem. This means that extreme temperatures will always have some effect on how well your battery charges.
The climate in different areas of Europe can be very diverse, ranging from cold winters in the northern areas to warm summers in the southern parts of Europe. Low or high temperatures can influence battery performance and reduce the vehicle lower the charging capacity until the battery until it has achieved the right temperature.
In case the EV is placed in an area where there is particularly low temperature, battery preconditioning could help in preparing the battery for charging, provided that this function is available in the vehicle. Parking the car in a shady place in case of high temperature is helpful in protecting the battery from extra heat. A right charging location for the EV would help in consistent charging performance.
Blaupunkt EV has developed a robust charging system to help minimize the impact of high or low temperatures and ensure efficient charging performance.
5. Battery Age and Health
As time goes by, all electric vehicle batteries lose some of their power. Things like getting old, being exposed to very hot or cold temperatures a lot, and using fast charging stations frequently can make this happen faster. When a battery isn't as healthy, it might charge more slowly and not last as long as it used to, kind of like how your phone's battery gets worse over time. To slow down this process, it's a good idea to mix up how you charge your car - use fast charging and regular charging, and try not to let the battery completely die or get fully charged all the time.
Conclusion
When it comes to charging your EV, having a reliable charger is a must. For people who live or work in offices, or own properties, AC charges are usually a better option. Blaupunkt EV makes chargers for everyday use. If you get a charger that's just right for your vehicle, it can charge at its maximum speed without wasting any power. Before you buy a charger from any brand, make sure to check a few things as mentioned above.