Electric vehicle charging stations: what they are and how they work
Table of Contents:
- What is a charging station
- How a charging station works
- The types of charging stations
- How long does an electric car take to recharge?
Today, growing interest in sustainable mobility has fueled the rise of electric vehicles. As more and more people join this trend, the need for adequate charging infrastructure becomes a priority. In this article, we will explore in detail what electric vehicle charging stations are, how they work, and what we can expect from these technologies in the future.
What is an electric vehicle charging station?
An electric vehicle charging station is aninfrastructure designed to provide electricity to cars, motorcycles, and other electric vehicles . These stations are the equivalent of traditional gas stations, but instead of providing fossil fuel, they provide electricity to recharge vehicle batteries.
At the end of 2023, Europe witnessed a considerable increase in the number of electric vehicle charging stations. More than 600,000 charging points have been installed across Europe. However, the distribution of these stations is rather uneven, with a predominant concentration in the Netherlands and Germany. In Italy and Spain, which are the two largest markets for Powy, the number of charging points, in early 2024 exceeded 50,000 and 30,000 active points, respectively.
How an electric car charging station works
An electric car charging station, unlike a conventional fueling station where liquid fuel is pumped into vehicle tanks, supplies electricity through special cables and connectors .
When an electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, a connection is established between the vehicle and the station, then the station supplies electricity to the vehicle, which is then used to recharge the battery.
To charge an electric vehicle at a charging station, the user must follow a few steps. First, it is necessary to park the vehicle near the charging station. Next, the user must connect the charging cable to the vehicle's socket and to the station's charging point. Once the connection is made, the charging process starts automatically.
Recharging can be started and stopped via an app or RFID card, depending on the station. In some cases, such as with Powy, charging can also be paid for by QR code or POS, when present. The time required for a full charge depends on the battery capacity of the vehicle and the power of the charging station.
Once charging is complete, theuser can disconnect the cable and continue on their journey. It is important to follow safety rules while charging, such as avoiding touching electrical components with wet hands and not using damaged cables.
What is the difference between an electric motor and a combustion engine?
In terms of operation, it is important to note that there are fundamental differences between an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
One way to understand these differences is through a metaphor: while an internal combustion engine resembles a steam engine, with a series of complex mechanical and chemical processes, an electric motor is more like a hamster wheel connected to an electric generator.
In other words, the electric motor converts electricity into motion more efficiently and directly, without the need for combustion or polluting emissions.
What's behind a charging station and how electricity is transformed
Behind an electric vehicle charging station, there is a complex system that enables the transformation of electricity for use in vehicle charging. The electricity supplied through the power grid is delivered in alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), depending on the type of charging infrastructure.
To convert alternating current into direct current, devices called rectifiers are used, which change the shape of the electric current into direct current suitable for charging electric vehicle batteries.
In addition to electricity transformation, charging stations also include management and control systems to monitor the charging process, ensure safety, and control energy supply.
The types of electric vehicle charging stations
There are different types of charging stations, infrastructures that have different characteristics and capacities. Each type corresponds to a charging rate; here are the most common types:
- Slow Charging (Slow): Uses power up to 7.4 kW and is suitable for charging vehicles during extended periods of time.
- Quick charging (Quick): Uses power up to 22 kW. These stations are ideal for faster charging than slow charging.
- Fast Recharging (Fast): Uses power up to 100 kW, suitable for rapid recharging.
- Super-fast recharging (Super-fast): Uses power of up to 150 kW, ideal for even faster recharging.
- Ultra-fast recharging (Ultra-fast): Uses power over 150 kW and is ideal for recharging while traveling or in high-traffic locations.
Each location with its own needs and peculiarities is suitable for a certain type of charging infrastructure in order to maintain appropriate safety and efficiency standards. Some stations may also offer a combination of slow, fast and ultrafast charging options to meet users' needs, delivering power in alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
Types of connectors for charging an electric car
Different types of connectors are used to connect the charging station to the electric vehicle, standardized by region and vehicle type. Here are some of the most common connectors:
- Type 1 connector (SAE J1772): this is one of the most widely used standards in North America and Japan. It is a five-pin connector that allows AC charging and is compatible with slow and fast charging.
- Type 2 connector (IEC 62196): is the predominant standard in Europe. This connector has seven pins and supports slow, fast and ultrafast AC and DC charging.
- CCS (Combined Charging System) connector: this connector combines the Type 2 connector with an additional two-pin system for DC charging. It is widely used in Europe and is gaining popularity in other regions.
- CHAdeMO Connector: Developed in Japan, this connector is mainly used by Asian electric vehicles. It allows DC charging and is compatible with fast and ultrafast charging.
Some electric vehicles have manufacturer-specific connectors, so it is essential to verify compatibility between the vehicle connector and the electric charging station connector.
How long does it take an electric car to recharge at a charging station?
The time it takes to charge an electric car at a charging station can vary depending on several factors, such as the capacity of the battery, the maximum charging power of the station used, and the initial state of charge of the vehicle.
In general, slow charging can take several hours to complete and is suitable for charging at night or during long periods of parking. Fast charging can charge a vehicle battery in about an hour, making it convenient for charging during long-distance travel or during a quick stop.
However, ultrafast charging stations, which use very high power, can charge a vehicle's battery in a matter of minutes. These stations are particularly useful in situations where instant charging is needed to continue the journey or for users who do not have much time.[source]
Conclusions
The future of electric vehicle charging stations looks promising and evolving. With the rapid development of charging technologies and increasing adoption of electric vehicles, we can expect significant improvements in efficiency, charging speed, and accessibility.
Charging stations will become increasingly integrated into urban infrastructure, highways, and public places, facilitating the use of electric vehicles for a growing number of users. In addition, innovations in batteries and renewable energy will help make EV charging even more sustainable and convenient.
In this scenario, Powy 's goal is to create a widespread and highly efficient charging network capable of supporting all-electric mobility. With a simple installation process and no upfront costs, Powy offers numerous benefits for your facility, making it the ideal partner to guide you through the transition to electric mobility. Contact us to find out about our charging solutions-you too can play your part in a more connected future.