Charging stations for electric cars

Users often ask how they workcharging stationsand why they are needed for electric vehicles. Onecharging stationconverts electricity from the grid and delivers it to your car's battery via a specific connector. The most popular solutions are with power7.4 kWor22 kW, providing different charging times.

1. Standardcharging stations (AC, 3.7 kW - 7.4 kW)

These charging stationsforhome useprovidethey provide enough power of 3.7 kW,7.4 kW, 11 kW up to22 kWto charge your electric car at night or while you're at work.Type 2 contactis the standard for European electric vehicles, making them compatible with most models on the market.

Suitable for: Home use

Charging time: Between 6 and 12 hours

2.Medium-fast charging stations (AC, 11 kW - 22 kW)

Withpower up to22 kW, these stations are the perfect balance between speed and economy. They are used both at home and onpublic placesasoffice buildingsandparking lotsThey offer shorter charging times and are compatible with all major electric vehicle models.

Suitable for: Home and public locations

Charging time: Between 4 and 8 hours

3.Fast charging stations (DC, 50 kW - 150 kW)

Fast charging stationsusedirect current (DC)and are suitable for quick charging on long journeys. They are often found ongas stations,highwaysandshopping centers, where loading time is a critical factor.

Suitable for: Highways, commercial areas

Charging time: Between 30 minutes and 1 hour

4.Ultra-fast charging stations (DC, 150 kW and up)

Withpower from 150 kW and up, these stations are designed forultra-fast charging, which can provide a full charge in less than 30 minutes. They are mainly used onhighwaysandstrategic pointswhere the fastest charging is needed.

Suitable for: Large commercial areas and highways

Charging time: Under 30 minutes

5.Mobile charging stations

Portablescharging stationsare ideal for people who travel frequently. They offer convenience and flexibility, and can be used in various places where you have access to a power outlet.

Suitable for: Traveling users

6.Charging stations for public use

Publiccharging stationsare installed in public places such asparking lots,officesandshopping centers.They can be eitherAC, and so onDCstations and offer the opportunity tointelligent managementandcharging feesfor charging customers.

Suitable for: Public spaces

7.Fleet charging stations

These stations are designed for companies and organizations with large fleets of electric vehicles. They allow for simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles and are integrated withintelligent platformsfor management.

Suitable for: Company fleets

The choice ofhome charging stationdepends on the power you need and the available infrastructure. The most common options arecharging stations with a power of 7.4 kWthat charge your car overnight, ormore powerful stations to22 kWfor faster charging.

The charging station powers most commonly searched for online include the following ranges:

1. 3.7 kW– Suitable for slow charging stations, usually for home use.
2. 7.4 kW– Medium-speed stations, often used in home and some public settings.
3. 11 kW– Medium-speed stations, popular for home and commercial use.
4. 22 kW– Fast stations used for both home and public charging.
5. 50 kW– Fast DC stations, used mainly on highways and commercial sites.
6. 100kW– Fast DC stations suitable for larger charging sites and highways.
7. 150 kW– Ultra-fast DC stations installed at strategic locations, such as highways and large shopping malls.
8. 200 kWand up – Used for ultra-fast charging of electric vehicles, especially on long trips.

Fast charging stations with power startingfrom50 kWand moreare preferred for public places where charging time is critical. They allow charging times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, making them ideal for gas stations and retail locations.

Companies that want to installhcustomer service stationsor employees, can choose between22 kW AC stationsfor slower charging during the day orDC stations with 50 kW, which offer fast charging and are suitable for large sites.

The choice ofconnector typefor a charging station depends on several key factors, such as regional standard, type of electric vehicle, power of the station and future development of the charging infrastructure. Here's how to choose the right connector and what determines the choice:

1.Regional standards

Different regions have different standards for connectors for electric vehicle charging stations:

• Europe: The most commonly used standard isType 2for AC charging andCCS(Combined Charging System)for DC charging. Type 2 is mandatory for public stations in the European Union.
• North America: For imported cars from the USA and Canada, it must be usedType 1 (J1772)for AC charging andCCSfor DC charging.CHAdeMOis also popular for some Japanese cars like the Nissan Leaf.
• Japan: The basic standard isCHAdeMOfor DC charging.
• China: China uses a specific standard –GB/Tfor both AC and DC charging.

2.Electric vehicle type

The connector you should choose depends on compatibility with the electric vehicle you are charging. Different manufacturers support different standards:

• European electric cars(such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW) mainly useType 2for AC charging andCCSfor DC charging.
• Japanese and some Asian electric cars(such as Nissan and Mitsubishi) supportCHAdeMOfor DC charging andType 1for AC.
• American electric cars(like Tesla in the US) have a specific connector, but Tesla in Europe usesType 2andCCS.

3.Charging station power

The power of the charging station also affects the choice of connector:

• AC charging stations (up to 22 kW)usually useType 1(for North America) orType 2(for Europe).
• DC charging stations (50 kW and up)usually useCCSorCHAdeMO.CCSis becoming increasingly popular in Europe and North America.

4.Future development and infrastructure

When choosing a connector, it is important to also consider future market developments:

• CCSis becoming increasingly popular in Europe and North America and will likely remain the dominant DC charging standard.
• CHAdeMOmay lose popularity in some regions, being replaced byCCSfor new electric car models.
• Type 2is the universal standard for AC charging in Europe and is mandatory for new public stations.

5.Public vs. home charging stations

• Forhome stations, the choice depends on the type of your electric vehicle and the region. If you have a European electric vehicle,Type 2will be the best choice.
• Forpublic stations, it is important to offer compatibility with the most common standards in the region –Type 2andCCSin Europe, orType 1 and CCS/CHAdeMOin North America and Japan.

Conclusion

The choice of connector depends on:

• The regional standardon the market (Type 2 and CCS for Europe, Type 1 and CCS/CHAdeMO for North America and Japan).
• Type of electric vehicle(European, Japanese or American).
• The power of the station(AC or DC charging).
• Future compatibilityand infrastructure development.

The charging time depends on the power of the station. For example,charging station with 7.4 kWcharges for 6-8 hours, while50 kW charging stationcan charge your electric vehicle in less than an hour.

1.Charging station 3.7 kW (slow AC station)

• Charging time:Charging with a 3.7 kW stationit may take between12 and 4 p.m.depending on the battery capacity. This is a suitable solution for charging overnight or during longer periods of downtime.

2.Charging station 7.4 kW (medium slow AC station)

• Charging time:Power station7.4 kWusually charges the electric car for6 to 8 hoursThis type of station is suitable forhome useand charging overnight or while working.

3.Charging station 11 kW (medium-fast AC station)

• Charging time:Loading with11 kWstationtakes about4 to 6 hoursfor a full charge of most electric vehicles. This power is common inpublic parking lotsandoffice buildings.

4.Charging station 22 kW (fast AC station)

• Charging time:With22 kWAC charging stationit may take between2 and 4 hours, depending on the size of the battery. These stations are often used onpublic placessuch as shopping malls and parking lots.

5.Charging station 50 kW (fast DC station)

• Charging time:With50 kW DC stationthe chargingusually takes between30 and 60 minutesfor about 80% of the charge. These stations are ideal forhighwaysandgas stationswhere users need fast charging.

6.Charging station 100 kW (ultra-fast DC station)

• Charging time:At100kWcharging station timeis significantly reduced –20 to 40 minutesfor about 80% charge. These stations are preferred for strategic locations where fast charging is of paramount importance.

7.Charging station 150 kW and above (ultra-fast DC station)

• Charging time:With150 kWor more powerful stations charging timecan be under20 minutesfor 80% charge. These stations are installed onhighwaysandurban hubswhere users need minimal loading time.

Installing thecharging stationcan cost between 500 and 2000 BGN depending on the type of station and electrical infrastructure. For public stations, the costs are higher, especially for more powerful solutions.

As ELNexus, we deliver with free delivery to all electric car charging stations, including: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Nova Zagora, Stara Zagora, Pernik, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Blagoevgrad, Asenovgrad, Dupnitsa, Kyustendil, Petrich, Bansko, Sandanski, Vidin, Ruse, Gotse Delchev, Montana, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Targovishte, Shumen, Dobrich and all other settlements and commercial establishments outside settlements with Speedy and Econt.

With modern technology you can manage yourcharging stationremotely viamobile applicationThis allows you to monitor the charging process, set schedules and even receive real-time updates. The ways to manage and exchange data for communication with the charging station are through:

Wi-Fi connectivity

• Description: ThroughWi-FiYou can easily connect the charging station to your home or office network. This allows remote control of the station via a mobile app and easy access to charging data. The Wi-Fi connection also allows for software updates to the station without the need for physical intervention.
• Advantages: Easy integration, remote control, wireless connection

2.Bluetooth connectivity

• Description:Bluetoothis convenient for short distances when you want to control the station directly from your mobile device. This is useful when you are near the station and want to quickly configure settings or start charging without using an internet connection.
• Advantages: Fast connection, no internet required

3.LAN connection

• Description: For a more stable and secure connection,LAN(wired network) can be used. This option is preferred in corporate or public installations where reliable network connectivity is required. The LAN connection provides continuous monitoring and remote control without interruptions.
• Advantages: Stability, security, high connection speed

4.3G/4G SIM card

• Description: Charging stations equipped withSIM card, use3Gor4G mobile networkfor connection. This is a perfect solution for locations where Wi-Fi or LAN is not available, such as public parking lots or remote locations. Charging can be controlled and monitored via mobile apps, even when you are away from the station.
• Advantages: Remote access anywhere, no need for a local network

What is OCPP? (Open Charge Point Protocol)

OCPP is an open standard for communication between charging stations and management platforms. This allows the station to be integrated with different management software platforms, regardless of the station manufacturer.

OCPP 1.6:

• This is the older version of the protocol that is still widely used. It provides basic functions such as start/stop charging, monitoring and real-time data reporting. It is suitable for corporate and public stations that want to maintain stable and proven technology.

OCPP 2.0:

• The new version of the protocol adds advanced features such as better load management, improved security, and greater compatibility with new standards.OCPP 2.0It also allows for more advanced load management and optimization of energy resources, which is especially useful for large charging networks and fleets.

Advantages of OCPP

• Compatibility with multiple operator platforms
• Flexibility in integration and management
• Supports remote monitoring and charging control

When usingpublic charging stationsThere are several main payment methods for electric vehicles. Depending on the operator and the technology of the station, users can choose the method that is most convenient for them. Here are the most common payment options:

1.Mobile application

One of the most popular payment methods is through a mobile app provided by the charging station operator (e.g. ELNexus or another platform). The app allows users to start and stop charging, monitor consumption, and pay directly via a linked bank card or mobile wallet.

Steps

1. You download the charging station operator's app.
2. You create an account and link a bank card or e-wallet (for example, Google Pay or Apple Pay).
3. After parking, you scan a QR code at the charging station via the app.
4. You start the download and monitor the process.
5. After charging is complete, payment is made automatically according to the energy consumed.

Advantages:

• Easy and convenient charging management.
• Cost transparency.
• Possibility of charging planning and real-time monitoring.

2.RFID card (chip card)

RFID cardsare another popular payment method at public stations. They allow users to start a charge by simply holding the card near the station's reader. Once the charge is complete, the amount is automatically deducted from the linked account.

Steps

1. You register on the operator's platform and receiveRFID card.
2. You link the card to your bank account or mobile wallet.
3. Each time you charge, you bring the card closer to the charging station to activate the process.
4. After charging is complete, the amount is automatically deducted according to the energy consumed.

Advantages:

• Easy and quick charging activation.
• Suitable for regular network users.

3.Credit/debit card (via station terminal)

Some public charging stations have terminals that allow direct payment withcredit or debit cardThis is very convenient for users who do not use mobile apps or RFID cards.

Steps

1. You park next to the station and connect the car.
2. You pay through the station terminal using a credit/debit card withcontactless paymentor by entering a PIN code.
3. After the recharge is completed, a receipt for payment is issued.

Advantages:

• Convenience for users who are not registered and do not want to register on platforms or applications.
• Suitable for tourists or casual users.

4.Subscription plan

Some charging station operators offersubscription plansfor regular users, which include a fixed monthly fee or discounts for multiple recharges. Subscriptions are often used by companies and fleets.

Steps

1. The user subscribes to a specific plan that covers a certain number of charges or a certain amount of electricity per month.
2. Recharging is done via a mobile app or RFID card, with the monthly subscription fee being deducted automatically.
3. At the end of the month, an invoice for consumption is issued.

Advantages:

• Fixed monthly costs.
• Lower prices for regular refills.

5.Payment via SMS or online platform

Some charging stations allow payment viaSMSoronline platforms, where the user sends a code or number to start the recharge, then receives a payment link.

Process

1. User sendsSMS with codeto start charging.
2. Receives a payment link after charging is complete.
3. Pay via credit/debit card or e-wallet.

Advantages

• Convenience for users who do not have mobile applications.
• Suitable for incidental charging.