How to charge your electric car: a practical guide to charging times, power ratings, and solutions

One of the first questions that arise when approaching the world of electric mobility is, "How and where do I charge my electric car?" The process, at first, may seem like a maze of acronymsAC, DC, kW) and technical terms. In reality, it is much simpler than you think.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide clarity, simplifying the basic concepts of charging and giving you all the information you need to manage your electric car with confidence.

The types of charging: AC vs. DC

The fundamental difference in the charging world lies in the type of electric current used.

Alternating CurrentAC)

It is the electricity that is distributed in the domestic grid and that we use every day to power our appliances. It is also the current supplied by most low and medium power public charging stations. Car batteries, however, store energy in the form of direct current (DC). For this reason, every electric vehicle is equipped with an "on-board charger" (OBC) that converts the current from AC DC.

The power of this internal converter limits the maximum speed of AC charging. Because of this, AC charging is slower but also cheaper and kinder to the battery, making it the ideal option for long stops.

Direct CurrentDC)

It is the kind of energy that the battery needs directly. In fast chargingDC) stations, the AC to DC converter is very large and powerful and is located inside the charging station itself, not in the car. In this way, the station "talks" directly with the battery, delivering DC power at very high power and bypassing the limitation of the on-board charger. This process allows drastically higher charging speeds. DC charging requires high powers, has a higher cost, and is designed for travel or emergencies.

Charging speeds

Based on power output and location, we can classify charging into three main categories:

Slow or Slow RechargeAC)

• Speed: 2.3 kW to 7.4 kW.
• Typical location: Home recharging with a wallbox or in a company. It is the perfect solution for charging your car overnight or while you are at work, taking advantage of the vehicle's idle hours to restore full range at a very low cost.
• Charging time: A full charge (e.g., 20% to 80% on a 50 kWh battery) may take 6 to 10 hours.

Accelerated Charging or QuickAC)

• Speed: 11 kW to 22 kW.
• Typical location: Public charging stations in supermarket parking lots, shopping centers, restaurants, or gyms. This allows you to integrate charging into your daily routine, adding a significant amount of range (50-100 km) while you shop or have lunch.
• Charging time: A full charge takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the capacity of the battery and the power of the car's on-board charger.

Rapid (or Fast) and Ultrarapid (or Ultra Fast) ChargingDC

• Speed: From 50 kW up to 350 kW and above.
• Typical location: They are mainly found along highways and major thoroughfares. They are designed to minimize waiting times during long trips.
• Charging time: This is the fastest mode. It allows you to go from 10% to 80% of the battery in just 20-40 minutes, depending on the power of the station and the charging curve of the vehicle.

The charging cables and connectors

In addition to the power of the column, a key issue concerns the cables and connectors used. In Europe, the most common standard for alternating current (AC) charging is Type 2 (Mennekes), which is compatible with most electric cars and public infrastructure.

For direct current (DC) fast charging, the two main connectors are the CCS Combo 2, now a European standard and supported by almost all new models, and the CHAdeMO, used mainly by some Japanese vehicles. It is important to know that many public charging stations offer multiple connectors to ensure universal compatibility. In the home or business environment, however, Type 2 is almost always used with a cable that comes with the vehicle or supplied with the wallbox.

Charging is at the heart of the electric experience: knowing how to distinguish between AC and DC, slow, accelerated or fast, allows you to manage your car smartly and without range anxiety. With Powy you can count on a widespread network of public stations powered by 100% renewable energy, ideal for your daily commute and long trips. Download the app Powy Charge and discover the easiest and safest way to charge and recharge.

FAQ: Does fast charging damage the battery?

Exclusive and constant use of high-power fast charging may slightly accelerate the natural degradation of the battery in the long run. However, modern cars have very advanced thermal management systems (BMS) that protect the battery. Occasional use for travel is completely safe and expected.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy