Everything you need to know about fast charging your electric car
Electric cars are the future of mobility and more and more people are switching to this eco-friendly form of transport. An important aspect of electric driving is battery charging, and this is where the concept of ‘fast charging’ comes in. In this article, we will take you through the world of electric car fast charging and answer some important questions.
What does charging an electric car cost?
Charging at home is often the most economical option. You simply pay the electricity price of your energy contract, which is usually around 44 cents per kilowatt hour. However, before you can charge at home, you need to buy a charging station, which involves an initial investment of around €1,500 to €3,000, including installation costs.
The cost of electric driving is generally lower than that of a fuel car, even if you have to charge on the street. A year of public charging costs about €1,100, while for a year of petrol filling up, you can easily spend €1,800.
What are the costs of public charging?
For public charging stations, costs can vary widely, with an average price of around 60 cents per kilowatt-hour. For fast chargers, this average is slightly higher, at 69 cents per kilowatt hour. The pricing structure is determined by several factors, including the charging station company and the provider of the charging card or app you use.
Paying per kilowatt hour and charge card costs
The cost of public charging usually consists of two components: the price per kilowatt-hour and the cost of the charging card or app. The charge post company sets the price per kilowatt-hour, which can often be found on the charge post itself. In addition, the charging card provider may charge additional costs, such as a fee per kilowatt-hour or a fixed monthly fee.
Additional costs for public charging
With public charging, other charges may apply, such as parking fees and start-up and hourly charges, which vary by location. It is important to check parking rules, as some charging stations have specific parking rules to ensure that cars are moved once charged.
How long does it take to fast-charge your electric car?
The charging time of an electric car depends on several factors, including the power of the charging station, the car’s on-board charger and the charging status of the battery. The power of the charging station and the on-board charger determine the speed at which the car can be charged. For example, charging at home with a 3.7 to 11 kW charging station can result in a range of 20 to 60 kilometres per hour of charging.
Fast charging gets you back on the road quickly
Fast charging is the ideal solution on the road. With fast chargers along busy roads and motorways, you can quickly recharge your electric car. In around 30 minutes, you can often charge up to 80% of the battery, allowing you to get back on the road quickly. The capacity of the charging station and the compatibility of your car determine the charging speed.
