The number of electric cars in Germany is increasing. Anyone who has ever driven an e-car is thrilled by the driving pleasure and the quiet in the car. The new technology introduces new concepts that motorists face. Check this link for more now.
Access to the charging station
In the first episode, you deal with the subject of access to public charging stations also called selective charging.
The Federal Government has initiated a million-euro funding program with which the expansion of the charging infrastructure is to be promoted. Currently, there are about 20,000 charging points throughout Germany. By 2020, the number should rise to 100,000. Important for everyday use is that the access to the public charging stations for all e-car drivers are simple and direct.
The Federal Council laid down characteristics for the access to the shop in the so-called charging station ordinance (LSV), which all operators of public charging stations must implement. The technical term for this is selective loading.
Definition of point loading
The so-called point loading must be offered by all charging infrastructure operators and can be fulfilled in two different ways:
Without authentication for use:
The power is provided
- without direct consideration (free) or
- Against payment by cash in the immediate vicinity of the charging point.
With authentication:
For a cashless payment transaction using a standard card-based payment system either in the immediate vicinity of the charging point or using a standard web-based system, the user must register in advance.
Spontaneous charging at the charging station check
For the charging station check, we have defined our own definition: Spontaneous charging in the sense of our test criterion is when all users who have access to the mobile Internet via their smartphones, for example, without prior registration at the charging infrastructure of the tested charging station operator directly can load.
Downloading a necessary app is associated with data usage and time that’s not spontaneous for us. Registration or the compulsory use of an SMS service, which is often blocked by a third-party blocker, are also exclusion criteria and do not represent spontaneous charging. The same applies to the previous application for a charge card or other charging chip if you have any questions about electro-mobility.
Charge the electric car correctly: what should be considered?
Charging services for the choice of the charging station is the electric car that is to be charged. If one decides for a version with firmly attached cable, the plug must also fit the vehicle. The most widely used plug is the Type 2 charging plug. But there are also models with the Asian and American type 1 standard, for example, the Nissan LEAF.
You are more flexible with a type 2 socket. At such a charging station can charge all vehicles with the appropriate charging cable. The disadvantage: It must be used each time its own cable from the trunk. A version with cable is much more comfortable. In public areas, a power outlet is mandatory. In the private sector, a cable offers more comfort.
The charging power of the electric car also plays a role. The range here ranges from 3.7 kW to 22 kW, depending on the charger installed in the vehicle. If the charging time is to be reduced to a minimum, the charging power must be correspondingly high. Please note: The weakest point determines the length of the charging process. To be prepared for the future, experts recommend a charging station with 22 kW charging power.