Automakers are increasing their presence in the electric transport market, creating an increasingly diverse range of models. In turn, increasing competition encourages the active development of technologies that provide greater practicality.
Over the last ten years, carmakers have made impressive progress with full battery mileage, and now another aspect is rapidly improving: battery charging speed.
New fast charging technologies
Looking at the dynamics of the electric car market, it is clear that manufacturers are paying more and more attention to this segment. Buyers are offered electric city cars, SUVs or crossovers of all sizes, luxurious large sedans and even very sporty models. As a result of the expansion of the offer, the type or application of the car no longer limits the choice – there is also an electric alternative for almost every internal combustion model.
Initially, the practicality of electric cars was limited by the distance that could be charged with a single charge. Ten years ago, the pioneers of electric cars were able to offer their owner a range of 100-150 km, while the modern Kia EV6 – a practical and dynamic family car – can travel from 371 to 528 kilometers, depending on the version with a single charge.
It can be said that a new given value has been created, as most new electric cars have a reach of at least 250 km. Therefore, having solved the issue of mileage reserve, the manufacturers have focused on another no less important aspect – charging speed.
More and more cars are appearing on the market that can accept high charging capacity. Until relatively recently, it peaked at 150 kW, but the Porsche Taycan, for example, can accommodate 270 kW. Yes, the car can’t accept it all the time, and when it reaches a certain battery level, the power drops, but this difference is a good indicator of the pace at which electric car technology is evolving.
One of the solutions that provides fast charging is the 800 volt system. This has been used not only in the already mentioned luxury Porsche, but also in the Kia EV6, which is aimed at a much wider range of customers. Double the voltage allows you to increase the charging power (kW) without increasing the current (A) – this saves losses and increases the efficiency of the system. If the electric car could consistently accept 350 kW, 12 minutes would be enough to fully charge the batteries.
Head of charging operator Eleport Latvija Kārlis Mendziņš
Given the practical advantages of the 800 V system, they can be illustrated with specific figures. For example, to get energy for 100 kilometers of road, the driver of the Kia EV6 in the fast charging station will only need 5 minutes – as fast as refueling. In turn, 18 minutes will be enough to charge the battery to 10 to 80 percent. It is also comparable to the time motorists spend refueling, paying and shopping at a petrol station.
To the charging station as to the petrol station
It is clear that the development of electric cars, both in terms of reach and charging speed, is very rapid, but the effective use of new technologies also depends on infrastructure.
When designing and installing stations, their technical capabilities must meet not only today’s but also tomorrow’s needs, so that when new models with improved charging capacity enter the market, the stations are ready for them. At the moment, it can be said that the station technology is one step ahead, as some offer 350 kW of power, but there are no electric cars on the market yet that can accept it.
Head of charging operator Eleport Latvija Kārlis Mendziņš
Another aspect related to the fast charging of electric transport is the ability of existing and future electricity networks to provide high charging capacity, such as the current maximum of 350 kW. Networks may require significant investment. For this reason, the question may arise as to whether the purchase of a more technologically advanced vehicle will be worth it if the network does not allow you to take advantage of its charging.
One of the potential solutions is energy storage. For example, if it is not possible to increase the power to 350 kW in a particular place, an energy storage or battery can be installed. This would allow electric cars to be charged at maximum capacity and energy would not be taken from the limited grid. Neither consumer would suffer any inconvenience.
Head of charging operator Eleport Latvija Kārlis Mendziņš
It can be said that such an energy storage station is similar to a traditional gas station, where fuel is stored in special tanks and pumped to cars. As a result, advanced electric cars such as the Kia EV6, Audi e-tron GT or Porsche Taycan are once again approaching the point when electric cars will no longer be different from internal combustion engine vehicles, while retaining all their benefits – zero emissions, quiet operation, dynamics and comfort. .
Autors: Speed
From time to time someone runs past to recharge. Other times it is long enough to write your article.
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