Electric vehicle charging: a guide to EV charging

Acquire in-depth knowledge of electric vehicle charging with our expert guide. Read more and stay ahead in sustainable mobility.

In recent years, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has surged significantly; rapid technological development is driving a pivotal shift in buyer preferences toward these cars over gas-powered vehicles. Despite the high demand many countries still grapple with underdeveloped electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 

Such a shortfall can restrict the widespread adoption of this innovative green technology. This article provides a thorough examination of electric vehicle charging technology.

Are electric cars the future?

Undeniably, the popularity of electric vehicles is growing: the latest data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals a tripled market share, rising from only 4% in 2020 to an impressive 14% by 2022. The IEA forecast predicts a potential saving of up to 5 million barrels per day in oil consumption by 2030 due to the green transition.

The European Environment Age­ncy (EUA) recently published a report, which uncovers an impressive surge in hybrid and ele­ctric car registrations. The findings indicate a promising transition towards more environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.

"Considerable progress in the uptake of electric cars and vans in the EU was made in 2022, with 21.6% of new car registrations being electric vehicles. Totaling close to two million electric car registrations in one year, up from 1,74 million in 2021. The number of electric vans on European roads also continued to grow, reaching a share of 5.5% of new registrations in 2022. In the last year, the number of newly registered battery electric vehicles increased by 25% while the number of plug-in hybrid cars remained stable. Battery electric vehicles accounted for the vast majority of electric van registrations in 2022."

Current trends and predictions show a significant increase in the market share of electric cars for the upcoming years. The future of cars may not be wholly electric; however we cannot deny the inevitability of an electric vehicle revolution.

What benefits do electric vehicles provide?

1. Lower running costs

Compared to gas-powered or internal combustion engine vehicles, electric cars usually come with significantly lower operational costs. The efficiency of these electrically-powered vehicles coupled with reduced electricity expenses not only ensures cheaper charging costs but also offers a more economical alternative.

A 2023 Consumer Report reveals that the average driver can save 5500 EUR to 11000 EUR over an electric vehicle's (EV) lifespan compared to owning a similar gas-powered vehicle.

"The average EV driver will spend 60% less to power their vehicle than the owner of a gas-powered vehicle."

2. Lower ecological footprint

The United States Environmental Protection Agency claims that EVs significantly reduce the ecological footprint compared to conventional vehicles. A report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) underscores this, suggesting a potential carbon emissions decrease of about 43% for an equivalent distance covered by gasoline cars; such findings are indeed promising in promoting environmental sustainability.

The environmental impact can be additionally reduced by opting for green energy sources like solar or wind for electricity generation.

3. Reduced noise pollution

Electric cars emit significantly less noise, which is particularly advantageous for transportation companies striving to curtail their contribution to noise pollution.

4. Lower maintenance cost

Electric motors, with their significantly fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion vehicles, incur lower maintenance costs for EVs.

Electric vehicle charging locations

Often, the rapid adoption of electric vehicle technology slows due to a bottleneck: the limited availability of charging stations. Statista reports that the following countries possess the highest number of EV charger locations:

• China (1 million slow, 760000 fast)

• South Korea (180000 slow, 21000 fast)

• United States of America (100,000 slow, 28000 fast)

• Netherlands (120000 slow, 4300 fast)

• France (74000 slow, 9700 fast)

• Germany (64000 slow, 13000 fast)

Fortunately, the number of electric vehicle charging locations is continually on the rise. This trend enables more and more drivers to switch to electric cars. According to a report published by EVBox, the most popular electric vehicle charging locations are as follows:

• Home charging (64%)

• Charging at work (34%)

• Public charging stations (31%)

• EV charging at gas stations (29%)

• Supermarkets (26%)

• Malls (22%)

Note: Participants could choose more than one option.

Types of EV Chargers

There are three main categories of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and direct current (DC) fast chargers. The power output typically increases with higher levels, thereby enhancing the speed at which electric vehicles charge.

Level 1 (slow EV charger)

Commonly found in households, these chargers require a comparatively longer time to achieve full charge for an electric vehicle.

• Power delivery: 1-1.4 kW

• Range added in 60 minutes: 8 km

• Time to charge a 60 kWh car: 40 hours

Level 2 (fast EV charger)

Level 2 chargers, offering a faster charging speed than Level 1, are available in public places such as supermarkets, public parks, and malls.

• Power delivery: 4-19 kW

• Range added in 60 minutes: 16-130 km

• Time to charge a 60 kWh car: 2.5-5 hours

Level 3 (DC electric car charger)

The Level 3, also known as rapid charger or DC charger, offers faster charging capability than standard chargers. 

• Power delivery: 25-300 kW

• Range added in 60 minutes: 120-480 km

• Time to charge a 60 kWh car: 45 minutes

How long does electric vehicle charging take?

The longer charging times of an electric car, in comparison to the simple act of refilling a gas tank, often serve as one of the most common counter arguments against transitioning to it.

Indeed, older EVs require long hours to achieve a full charge. However, modern charging stations and advanced batteries have significantly improved this process. Two critical factors influence the duration of an EV's charging time: its battery size and the speed of the charging point.

For a typical electric car with a 60 kWh battery, the charging times are as follows:

• 30-40 hours with a Level 1 charger,

• 3-5 hours with a Level 2 charger,

• 30-40 minutes with a DC charger.

How much does electric vehicle charging cost?

Battery size, charging technology, and energy prices all influence the cost of electric vehicle charging. A calculator provided by the European Alternative Fuels Observatory allows you to choose your country and car type to generate price assumptions. For instance, selecting a Tesla Model 3 in Hungary for charging generates the following price assumptions.

"To recharge a Tesla Model 3 (Recharging time: 25 Minutes; Power charged: 40.25 kW) (Segment D) in Hungary at an energy-based DC recharging point, from 10% to 80% battery charge, expect to pay min. 9.66 EUR and max. 26.57 EUR."

Conclusion

Not only do electric cars benefit the environment, but they also offer lower operational and maintenance costs. Businesses can leverage this advantage to enhance their eco-friendliness and economize on transportation expenses. 

Even though some countries are still working on building charging stations, we expect things to change soon.