How do you charge your electric car?

The different charging methods

To maximise the efficiency and convenience of charging your electric vehicle (EV), it’s essential to be aware of the different methods available. Let’s explore the home charging options first 🏠.

Charging at home

Charging at home is often the most convenient option for many EV owners. It can be done via a standard domestic socket or a dedicated EV charging point.

Standard household socket

The standard household socket is the most accessible method of charging your electric car. However, it also has its drawbacks.

• Advantages 👍🏻 : The standard household socket is available in almost every home. There is no additional cost if the electrical installation is already adapted.
• Disadvantages 👎🏻 : It can take up to 36 hours for a full charge. Power rating is generally limited to 1.8kW, which is much slower than other charging options.

Wallboxes

For those looking for a faster, more efficient option, a home charging point is ideal. A wallbox is a great solution for speeding up EV charging. These boxes prevent any danger from charging your electric car at home.

• Advantages 👍🏻 : The home charging point can supply up to 22kW, significantly reducing charging time. Installation by a professional guarantees safe and compliant use.
• Disadvantages 👎🏻 : This requires an initial investment for purchase and installation. In this case you need to hire a qualified electrician.
  
  

Charging at public charging points

For those who cannot install a home charging point or who travel frequently, public charging points remain an excellent alternative!

Location of public charging stations

Public charging points are becoming increasingly common and can be found in various locations such as shopping centre car parks, motorway service areas, and public car parks. To locate these charging points, apps like Chargemap to charge at the best price can be very useful, both to save money and to make your life easier!

Types of charging points

Public charging points can be classified into two main categories: slow charging points (AC) and rapid/ultra-rapida charging points (DC).

• Advantages 👍🏻 : There are many charging points available in urban areas and on main roads. With rapid and ultra-rapid charging points, charging takes less than 30 minutes to reach 80% of battery capacity.
• Disadvantages 👎🏻 : Some public charging points can be expensive, especially if charging is based on time spent.
  
  
  

Understanding the types of charging points

Knowing your vehicle’s charging capacity is essential for choosing the best charging option. To avoid disappointment, it’s important to understand the different charging options and to be clear about power rating and charging time. 

Slow charging stations (AC) ⏳

These charging points use alternating current to charge vehicles. They are ideal for charging at home or at work.

Features :

• Power rating: they provide a power rating ranging from 3.7kW to 22kW.
• Connector types: they mainly use Type 2 (Mennekes) connectors.
• Location: these charging points are usually found in residential garages, company car parks and public car parks 🏢.

Slow charging points are ideal for everyday charging where time is not a critical factor. They enable safe and efficient charging while you’re at home in the evening or in the office during the day, for example.

Rapid/ultra-rapid (DC) charging points ⚡

These charging points use direct current for rapid charging. They are commonly used on motorways.

Features :

• Power rating: they provide a power rating ranging from 50kW to 350kW.
• Connector types: they mainly use CCS (Combo) and CHAdeMO connectors.
• Location: these charging points are mainly found on motorways, at service stations and large rest areas.

Rapid charging points are ideal for long journeys when you need to charge your vehicle quickly. They allow you to recover a large part of your range in a short period of time, which is perfect for short stops on your journeys.

Do you want to find out more about the practicalities of charging your electric vehicle? Find out everything you need to know about the different types of connectors!

Applications and tools to make charging easier

Mobile apps and charging cards play an essential role in making life easier when it comes to charging!

Mobile apps to find charging points

There are mobile apps that list charging points and help plan routes. Such is the case with the Chargemap app! 📲 It can also be used to simulate charging costs and find the best options available. Drivers can easily locate available charging points, check their compatibility with their vehicle and estimate the costs associated with charging. This feature is particularly useful for avoiding unpleasant surprises and optimising journeys.

EV charging cards 🌐

Charging cards also make your job easier! For example, the Chargemap Pass is a electric charging card that provides access to a large network of charging points in Europe. It offers great convenience and low rates. By using Chargemap Pass, drivers can access numerous charging stations without having to worry about the different payment terms of each operator 💳. This greatly simplifies the charging experience, especially when travelling abroad.

A few practical tips for charging

Optimising the charging of your electric car requires good planning and the use of the right resources.

Before you set off 🚗

Plan your route and identify potential charging stops. Take advantage of the apps mentioned to find charging stations on your route and plan alternatives in case the stations are occupied. By planning ahead, you can anticipate unforeseen events and guarantee that you’ll always have a charging point available when you need it. This is particularly useful for long journeys when charging points may be less frequent.

During the journey 🛣️

Use apps like Chargemap to find charging points on your route and avoid isolated charging points if you need a plan B. For more tips, we explain how to avoid long queues at charging points. While you’re on the road, it’s also important to remain flexible and plan alternatives in case of unforeseen circumstances. Charging planning apps can help you adjust your route in real time and quickly find available charging points.

Optimising charging

As far as possible, charge at home during off-peak hours to save money 💰. Here are additional tips on how to save money on EV charging. 

If you’re really pressed for time, then you can use rapid charging on long journeys to minimise downtime. To preserve your EV battery as much as possible, only use rapid charging stations when you really need to.

Optimising charging means both reducing costs and extending the life of your vehicle’s battery. Slow/moderate charging during off-peak hours is particularly cost-effective and can easily be programmed with smart charging systems.

Charging your electric car may seem complex, but with the right information and tools, it will become a simple and effective routine! By knowing the different charging methods, the types of charging points available and by using apps and charging cards, you can optimise every stage of your charging experience. Remember to plan ahead and use optimisation strategies to make your electric car journeys as smooth and economical as possible.

The whole Chargemap team wishes you a happy electric journey! 🚗🔋