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What is a public charging point?
What are the different types of recharging point?
Understanding the different types of charging point is essential if you are to make the best use of them and get the most out of your electric vehicle. Here's an overview of the different types of charging points available.
| Type de recharge | Puissance | Temps de recharge | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard (or slow)
|
Up to 3.7 kW
|
8-12 hours
|
Ideal for night-time recharging at home or at work.
|
|
Accelerated
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From 7 kW to 22 kW
|
3-4 hours
|
Suitable for public car parks, shopping centres and certain workplaces.
|
|
Fast
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From 43 kW to 50 kW
|
30 minutes for 80 % charge
|
Available at rest areas and service stations. Uses mainly connectors CHAdeMO and CCS.
|
|
Very fast
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More than 100 kW
|
Less than 20 minutes for 80 % charge
|
Ideal for long journeys, available from the latest generation of charging stations.
|
Charging infrastructures are developing rapidly and several networks are offering suitable solutions:
- Tesla Supercharger With power ratings of up to 250 kW, the Superchargers recharging stations allow very fast recharging, exclusively for Tesla owners such as the Tesla Model 3 or the Model Y.
- Ionity An ultra-fast recharging network in Europe, offering stations with a power of up to 350 kW for compatible vehicles.
- ChargePoint : Offers a wide range of recharging solutions, from accelerated charging points to fast stations, available in many countries.
- ENEDIS : Set up accelerated charging points in public spaces, facilitating access to charging for all electric vehicle users.
Each type of charging point has its own specific features, and choosing the right one depends on a number of factors (vehicle model, driving habits). Charging networks continue to expand, offering greater flexibility and convenience.
Also read → Top 10 best charging points on the market in 2023
How do you locate them?
Being able to locate a charging point easily is important to ensure that your electric vehicle stays charged and ready for use. Here are the applications and online tools you can use to easily locate public charging points:
- PlugShare One of the most comprehensive and widely used applications. It features an interactive map showing the locations of charging points, as well as user reviews, photos and details of the types of plugs available. PlugShare also lets you filter results according to charging type (standard, accelerated, fast), network and accessibility.
- ChargeMap ChargeMap is another popular application among electric vehicle drivers. It provides detailed information on charging points in Europe, including connector types, charging power and access times. ChargeMap also allows users to contribute by sharing new charging points or updating existing information.
- A Better Route Planner (ABRP) : For those planning a long journey, ABRP is the ideal tool. This application suggests routes that are optimised for electric vehicles, taking into account the charge level of the vehicle. batteryand the locations of the fast-charging stations on your route.
- Tesla Destination Charging and Tesla Supercharger : Tesla offers two recharging networks for its users, Superchargers for fast recharging on long journeys and Destination Chargers, which are more suited to long-distance recharging, available in hotels, restaurants and shopping centres.
| Critères | PlugShare | ChargeMap | A Better Route Planner (ABRP) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cover
|
Worldwide
|
Mainly in Europe
|
Worldwide
|
|
Languages available
|
Multilingual
|
Multilingual
|
Mainly English
|
|
+
|
Full inventory of charging stations, Active community for sharing opinions, Possibility of filtering charging stations by type of socket and charging speed
|
Detailed map of charging stations in Europe, Powerful filters to locate stations according to your needs, Chargemap Pass for simplified access to numerous charging stations
|
Optimised route planning for electric vehicles, Taking into account theautonomy and recharging requirements, suitable for long journeys
|
|
-
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User interface can be improved on certain devices
|
Less extensive coverage outside Europe, Some features require Chargemap Pass
|
Less focused on the community and the sharing of opinions between users, Mainly in English, perhaps a disadvantage for non-English speakers
|
Also read → How do I find a free charging point?
How do you prepare your electric vehicle for recharging?
What are the right steps to take?
Identify the charging point
Use applications such as those described above to locate the public charging points around you. They are managed by local authorities or private operators and can be found in various locations (car parks, public spaces, motorways).
Ensuring access
Some recharging points accept payment by bank card, but most require an RFID badge or a mobile application to unlock the door. RFID badges are often interoperable, meaning that a single card can be used to access several recharging networks.
Carry out the correct checks before connection
Make sure that your vehicle and the cable are compatible with the charging point. Most public charging points offer several types of plug (Type 2 being the standard in Europe), and various power levels. Choose the right power level for your electric vehicle. This will avoid damaging the battery.
Proceed with recharging
Once the charging point has been identified and the vehicle properly connected, the charging process can begin. Some charging points offer the option of monitoring the charging process via an integrated communication tablet, displaying information such as charging time, energy consumed and cost.
Check pricing
The price of a charge at a public charging point varies according to the operator, the type of charge (normal, accelerated, fast), and sometimes the time of day. Check the rates carefully before you start charging to avoid any surprises.
Also read → Charging station: the new QR code scam
What payment options are available?
A wide range of payment options are available to meet the needs of every user. They can pay by different methods:
- The mobile application :It is remarkably easy to use, allowing users to locate charging points, start a charge and pay from their smartphone.
- Bank card :it's a practical option for occasional users or those who don't want to bother with subscriptions or specific applications.
- Subscription :it represents a cost-effective solution for regular users of electric vehicles. It provides access to a network of charging points at reduced rates.
Note: some operators offer free top-ups or reduced rates during certain hours.
Good to know
Can a public charging point charge two vehicles at the same time?
Yes, but the charging power will be shared between the two electric cars.
Are there any public charging points powered solely by renewable energy?
Yes, solar or wind power can be used for a more environmentally-friendly recharge.
Can loyalty points from a supermarket chain be used to pay for recharging at their public charging points?
Some operators have partnerships with supermarket chains. The latter can offer benefits or discounts to holders of their loyalty cards.
Can I receive an alert on my phone when the nearby public charging point becomes available?
Most recharging applications have an option for receiving an alert when a charging point becomes available.
If you would like to find out more about the tax credit for in-car charging points 2024For more information, see our article on this subject.
