The right fast-charging station is the one that fits your car, your battery level, and your daily routine. In this interview, Jörg Lohr, Managing Director and CEO of JOLT Energy, explains how you can identify the right fast-charging station within minutes—and why the highest kW value is not automatically the best choice.
We have compiled a short Q&A from our interview so you can quickly find what you are looking for.
Before plugging in the cable, a quick reality check is worthwhile. It helps you find the right fast-charging station faster, even when you’re in a hurry. We asked our expert the following questions:
Question: Would you say the location is important? Isn’t it all just about charging power in the end?
Answer: In everyday life, efficiency matters, and the world keeps moving faster. A suitable fast-charging station is of little use if you have to take detours or the location is inconvenient. Especially in cities, you can often run errands while charging. Parking spots are also usually free of charge during charging. That’s why I would always prefer an urban charging station.
Question: Many charging stations look the same. What are your three quickest checks to make sure everything works?
Answer: I think you should always ask yourself these questions:
If these three points are met, it is very likely the right fast-charging station.
Question: Do you have a simple Plan B if the planned location is occupied?
Answer: Always plan a second nearby option. And look for locations that clearly show availability, plug types, and payment options. This reduces stress, especially during peak hours.
The technology seems complex, but it is logical. What matters is how your car distributes power during the charging process—its charging curve. Jörg Lohr explains and clears up common myths:
Question: Many people focus only on maximum power like 300 or 350 kW. Does that make sense?
Answer: Only to a limited extent. The vehicle does not continuously draw maximum power. We now know that charging power fluctuates significantly depending on battery temperature. If the battery is too cold or too hot, the battery management system reduces power. So what matters more is not the station’s maximum output, but the battery’s condition.
Question: Is charging up to 80% really the standard?
Answer: For many yes, because after that charging often becomes significantly slower. Charging speed decreases from that point, and many people wonder why it suddenly takes so long. So 80% is time-efficient and usually sufficient for longer use.
Question: Is there a rule of thumb for EV charging time?
Answer: I think in terms of time, not maximum values. If you want to charge for 10 to 20 minutes, very high power only helps if your battery is in the right state and temperature range. Otherwise, a lower but stable power level can be just as effective.
Whether a fast-charging station is truly fast often depends in the background on battery temperature. You may notice this especially in winter.
Question: Why does fast charging often feel slow in winter?
Answer: Because cold cells accept less power. If the battery is too cold or too hot, charging power is reduced by the battery management system. This protects the battery but takes more time. It’s better to charge after you’ve already driven a bit.
Question: Can summer conditions also reduce charging speed?
Answer: Yes, if cells become too hot, power is also reduced. This is normal and protects the battery. This means expectations for peak values are often unrealistic after long or hot drives.
Question: Many people hear about “preconditioning.” What is it?
Answer: If your car supports battery preconditioning, it can prepare the battery for maximum charging performance at DC stations. The “battery preparation” function in the onboard system is designed to minimize charging time at DC chargers.
My advice: set the fast-charging station as your navigation destination so preconditioning starts in time—if your model supports it.
A suitable fast-charging station is also one where you can start and finish without friction. This is where good and bad stations differ
Question: Can I charge and pay without an app?
Answer: Yes. At JOLT, you can use a QR code at the station, pay by credit card or mobile payment, and be ready within seconds.
Question: What do you recommend for frequent fast charging?
Answer: An app helps with finding, planning, and paying. The JOLT app, for example, is designed exactly for this, including location search and payment functions.
Question: Prices sometimes vary. How do you interpret that?
Answer: Like petrol or diesel, there are cheaper and more expensive periods. With EVs, it is fortunately a bit more transparent. We also offer cheaper night rates and fixed tariffs so users know what to expect.
If you charge frequently in the city, you usually don’t look for the biggest charging park, but for a suitable fast-charging station along your route. But what does the market look like? We also asked Mr. Lohr a few questions about JOLT:
Question: What should become easier for drivers with JOLT?
Answer: Ultra-fast charging where it is needed: in cities. JOLT describes its vision as an urban, battery-based charging network and uses fast-charging stations with integrated battery storage to reduce the need for extensive grid expansion.
Question: What is your tip for a first charging session with JOLT?
Answer: Use the location search, check plug types and tariffs, and start in the way that suits you best—via app or credit card. Then you will immediately see whether it fits your daily routine.
When you consider charging window, temperature, and payment together, you can find the right fast-charging station much faster. And if your daily routine is already in the city, JOLT can be a very practical option without turning it into a project.
Now find a JOLT location and plan your next charging stop consciously!
You are a journalist and want to reach our team? You want to sign up for press distribution list?
You need our press kit and brand assets? here is everything your might need.
