Curious how you can charge faster at a fast charger? Read the four things to keep in mind here for the optimal fast charging experience.
But first, a quick word about my optimal fast-charging experience at De Witte Bergen in Eemnes. I was on the road in my Tesla Model 3 and stopped at the new Superchargers there. These are new and very fast; around 250 kW. At that moment, everything was just right; the Tesla was warm, empty (1%), and there were no other EVs charging. In short, my Tesla 'Marshmallow' was completely in its element charging super fast. I had just enough time for a cup of coffee, because in 10 minutes I was ready to drive on again.
So, for me, that was an optimal fast-charging experience. Which factors play a role so that you can also charge quickly at a fast charger and avoid waiting longer than necessary? Actually, there are 4 points that influence this. Namely;
1. Battery temperature
2. How full the battery is (State of Charge of SoC)
3. Car hardware
4. The capacity of the fast charger
We explain these points further below.
1. Battery temperature
It starts with the battery temperature. It shouldn't be too high or too low. For example, for a Tesla Model 3, the optimal temperature for fast charging is around 55 degrees. This might be different for another EV. It is important that you know the optimal temperature of your EV. If you were to fast charge a Tesla with a battery at 20 degrees, charging would be much slower.
Don't know the optimal temperature? Here's a handy tip: set your car navigation to the nearest fast charger. Your car will then automatically ensure the temperature is optimal for fast charging upon arrival.
There are also EVs that have air-cooled batteries. If it is very hot outside, it charges more slowly. Especially in countries where the outside temperature is high, this can affect the charging speed. It is therefore important to be aware of this on cold and extremely hot days.
2. How full the battery is (State of Charge of SoC)
The emptier the battery, the faster it charges. The reverse is also true: the fuller the battery, the slower it charges. The conclusion from this is that you should try to arrive at a fast charger with as few percentage points as possible (personally, I don't find driving up to 1% to a fast charger stressful, though my wife is sitting next to me a bit less relaxed) so that your battery charges optimally, and therefore very quickly. A battery that still has between 1 and 10% of charge will charge faster.
Personally, I don't find driving on to 1% to a fast charger that exciting; my wife is sitting a bit less relaxed than the one next to me.’
The top 2 points are the most decisive. However, points 3 and 4 also play a role in whether an optimal fast-charging experience is achieved.
3. Car hardware
The car's hardware is ultimately also a determining factor. For example, what charging speed the EV itself can handle and which software updates are provided by the car manufacturer. An example from Volkswagen: the first VW ID4 could only handle 100 kW, but thanks to software updates, this same ID4 can now fast charge at 130 kW. That makes quite a difference.
4. The capacity of the fast charger
Well, this point is less directly within your sphere of influence as an EV driver (except that you can select a fast charging point in your navigation). If you go to a fast charger that can 'only' fast charge at 50 kW with a Tesla that can handle 250 kW, then it is logical that the charging speed will also be lower. The number of EVs charging at a station can also have an effect. The busier it is with charging EVs, the more the electricity has to be distributed. This can also impact the speed. In my case at De Witte Bergen, there was no one there, so that helped me reach my top speed.
My tip for covering 1,000 km as quickly as possible?
Want to cover 1,000km as quickly as possible with your EV? I would say keep driving until 1%, then start fast charging. Ideally, use navigation to drive to a fast charging station and stop charging at 50 to 60%. This depends on your car. After that, you will notice the speed decreases again. So charge more often, but for shorter periods.
ChargeMakers also offers fast chargers
Are you looking for a fast-charging solution for your gas station, business premises, or other location? ChargeMakers sells fast chargers and also offers customized solutions that fit your situation (both in major cities and rural areas). Feel free to contact us to discuss this further.
