What is a public charging station?
What are the different types of recharging point?
Understanding the different types of charging stations is essential to being able to use them better and optimize the use of your electric vehicle. Here's an overview of the different types of charging stations available.
| Refill type | Power | Recharge time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard (or slow) |
Up to 3.7 kW |
8-12 hours |
Ideal for night-time recharging at home or at work. |
|
Accelerated |
From 7 kW to 22 kW |
3-4 hours |
Suitable for public parking lots, shopping malls and some workplaces. |
|
Fast |
From 43 kW to 50 kW |
30 minutes at 80% load |
Available at rest areas and service stations. Uses mainly CHAdeMO and CCS connectors. |
|
Very fast |
Over 100 kW |
Less than 20 minutes for 80% load |
Ideal for long journeys, available from the latest generation of charging stations. |
Charging infrastructures are developing rapidly, and several networks offer suitable solutions:
- Tesla Supercharger With power ratings of up to 250 kW, the Supercharger charging stations allow very fast recharging, exclusively for Tesla owners like the Tesla Model 3 or the Model Y.
- Ionity An ultra-fast charging network in Europe, with stations offering up to 350 kW for compatible vehicles.
- ChargePoint Offers a wide range of charging solutions, from accelerated charging stations to fast charging stations, available in many countries.
- ENEDIS : Set up accelerated recharging stations in public spaces, facilitating access to recharging for all electric vehicle users.
Each type of charging station 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 stations on the market in 2023
How to find them?
Being able to easily locate a charging station is important to ensure that your electric vehicle stays charged and ready for use. Here are apps and online tools for simply locating public charging stations:
- PlugShare One of the most comprehensive and widely used applications. It features an interactive map showing the locations of charging stations, 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 trip, ABRP is the ideal tool. This app suggests routes optimized for electric vehicles, taking into account battery charge level, vehicle model, and the locations of 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" more suited to long-distance recharging, available in hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.
| Criteria | PlugShare | ChargeMap | A Better Route Planner (ABRP) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Coverage |
Worldwide |
Mainly in Europe |
Worldwide
|
|
Available languages |
Multilingual |
Multilingual |
Mainly English |
|
+ |
Complete inventory of charging stations, Active community for sharing opinions, Possibility of filtering charging stations by plug type and charging speed.
|
Detailed map of charging stations in Europe, Powerful filters to locate stations according to your needs, Chargemap Pass for easy access to numerous charging stations
|
Optimized route planning for electric vehicles, Takes into accountrange and recharging requirements, Suitable for long journeys
|
|
- |
User interface can be improved on some devices |
Less extensive coverage outside Europe, some features require Chargemap Pass
|
Less focused on community and user feedback, Mainly in English, perhaps a disadvantage for non-English speakers.
|
Also read → Free recharging points, how to find them?
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 public charging points around you. They are managed by local authorities or private operators and can be found in various locations (parking lots, public spaces, freeways).
Ensuring access
Some recharge points accept payment by credit card, but most require an RFID badge or mobile app to unlock the trapdoor. 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 your vehicle and cable are compatible with the terminal. Most public charging stations 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 station has been identified and the vehicle properly connected, the charging process can begin. Some kiosks offer the option of monitoring charging progress 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 station varies according to the operator, the type of charge (normal, accelerated, fast), and sometimes the time of day. Be sure to check the rates before you start charging, to avoid any surprises.
Also read → Charging station: the new QR code scam
What payment options are available?
The payment options available are diversified to meet the needs of each user. They can pay using a variety of payment methods:
- Mobile application: The mobile application is extremely easy to use, enabling users to locate charging stations, launch a recharge and pay from their smartphone.
- Credit card: This is a practical option for occasional users or those who don't want to bother with subscriptions or specific applications.
- Subscription : This is an economical solution for regular users of electric vehicles. It gives access to a network of charging stations at reduced rates.
Please note: some operators offer free refills or reduced rates during certain hours.
Good to know
Can a public charging station recharge two vehicles at the same time?
Yes, but the charging power will be shared between the two electric cars.
Are there any public charging stations powered solely by renewable energies?
Yes, solar or wind power can be used for a more ecological 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 their loyalty cardholders.
Can I receive an alert on my phone when a nearby public charging point becomes available?
Most charging applications have an option for receiving an alert when a charging point becomes available.
