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Fast charge MasteryGuide
A how-to guide for swift and seamless EV charging
Can charging be as quick as fueling up?
Discover the top strategies to maximise your EV charging speed:
- Pre-Conditioning Your Battery: Prepare your battery for faster charging, especially in cold weather conditions, by heating it up before plugging it in.
- Starting with a Low State of Charge (SoC): Optimize charging efficiency by initiating the process when your battery is not fully charged.
- Minimising Energy Consumption: Turn off unnecessary features like AC and heating to reduce energy usage during charging.
Remember, charging times may vary based on factors such as charging station type, vehicle model, and weather conditions. Your car’s battery management system plays a crucial role in determining charging speed, ensuring both efficiency and longevity.
Ever wonder why EV charging speeds ebb and flow? Let´s explore the journey through the charging phases
If you want to understand how to maximise EV charging efficiency, knowing about Charging Curves is essential. Your vehicle’s battery management system dictates charging speeds, which fluctuate to ensure a smooth and efficient charging journey. Here’s how it works:
- Ramp-Up Phase: a gradual increase in charging speed as your battery temperature rises.
- Optimal Charging Phase: peak charging speed and efficiency are achieved at ideal battery temperature.
- Tapering Phase: charging speed decreases as your battery nears full capacity, ensuring longevity.
Charging Phases
Your vehicle determines the maximum charging speed. If it’s limited to 50 kW, you won’t charge any faster—even if our charging station can handle speeds of up to 300/320 kW. It’s crucial to grasp that charging power may be reduced to a maximum of 150/160 kW when power-sharing occurs (e.g. two cars charging simultaneously at one station with two charging points).
Examining the charging curves displayed on our chargers below reveals crucial insights into these fluctuations. It’s not merely about a flashy peak; it’s about ensuring a smooth journey. While different EVs employ unique strategies, the ultimate goal is to achieve a stable curve, prioritising consistency over a rapid peak.
Charging Curves
*Chart Disclaimer: The depicted charging curves are based on real data from our system but have been adjusted for schematic representation. It’s important to note that not all charging curves will resemble these examples, as they vary depending on the car type/model and system capacity. These examples are provided to illustrate the different charging phases and speeds.
Do you know what the maximum charging speed of your EV is?
It’s crucial for drivers to be aware of this information. If you’re unsure, you can easily find out by visiting the ADAC website.
https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/elektromobilitaet/tests/schnellladen-langstrecke-ladekurven/
Here’s a bit of background on charging speeds: Two key factors determine charging speed. First is the onboard electrical system, which typically operates at either 400V or 800V. Most models currently on the market have a maximum charging rate of 500 amps. Only Tesla models exceed this limit, with no other vehicles currently doing so. Therefore, the maximum charging rate for 400V cars is 400V x 500A = 200kW. For 800V cars, this is limited to 300/320kW on the chargers available.
The achievement of these technically possible charging rates is contingent upon the type of battery and its associated battery management software.
Do you know how to activate your EV's pre-conditioning function?
Uncover the key to faster charging with your EV through pre-conditioning. Some models come equipped with a pre-conditioning button to prepare your battery for quicker charging. Alternatively, certain EVs automatically pre-condition the battery when you set a charging station as your destination in the navigation. It’s akin to having a built-in boost seamlessly integrated into your journey. And for a quick warm-up, a short drive before charging also gets the job done.
Don’t overlook your car’s manual for hidden features – mastering them ensures maximum charging efficiency.
Why choose fast charging up to 80%?
Explore how our ultra-fast charging strategy strikes the perfect balance between rapid energy top-ups and long-term battery health, ensuring optimal performance for your EV journeys.
- Our high-power JOLT stations can add 100 km to your range in just 5 minutes, perfect for those on-the-go moments.
- Fast charging isn’t about reaching 100%; it’s about getting a quick boost when your battery’s running low, ensuring you’re back on the road in no time.
- Beyond 80%, charging slows down significantly, making it less efficient and practical.
- Embracing this strategy not only preserves your battery’s health but also ensures fast chargers are available for others, keeping the charging process smooth and efficient.
Do you know the secret to smooth EV charging?
- Preparation is key: Avoid payment hassle at the station by downloading our app and completing registration. For those partnered with an MSP, simply activate your RFID card.
- Here´s a kicker: JOLT offers spontaneous on-the-go solutions, too. Drivers can effortlessly pay by scanning a QR code using PayPal or a credit card while on the move. Ready to start? First, authorise and complete payment with your preferred method. Then, proceed to connect the charging equipment.
- Here’s a pro tip: Ensure a firm, straight insertion of the connector into your EV’s socket. Listen for the reassuring ‘click’—this ensures a sturdy, hassle-free charging session.
Decoding charger lights: Are you familiar with their meanings?
Red: The charger is temporarily out of service due to maintenance or updates. We’re hustling to fix it! Our goal is a 98% uptime for reliability.
Green: The Charger is operational. Plug in for a swift charge.
Blinking Blue: The charging process has initiated, and your car and charger are communicating.
Yellow: The charging station is powered up, and may briefly pause before turning green.
Red Blinking: Charging error detected. Restart or switch to the second connector if available.
What are the communication challenges between the station and the car?
One of the significant hurdles in EV charging is the absence of standardisation in communication. The industry boasts various protocols and standards, making seamless communication a puzzle between EVs and charging stations of different makes. Follow the instructions on the display for a smooth interaction. Get the sequence right and avoid lingering too long in between.
No fast charger in sight? Stretch your range like a pro!
Efficiency is crucial for extending your electric vehicle’s range. Utilise the regenerative power of braking, maintain a consistent pace, and employ anticipatory driving tactics to maximise mileage on your journey.
Additionally, optimise your vehicle’s temperature using the pre-conditioning feature while connected to the charging station, ensuring comfort without compromising your drive. Make the most of contact heat by activating seat heaters and warming the steering wheel, while dialing down your regular heater by just one degree to save energy. Drive intelligently, drive efficiently, and make every charge count.