Everything you need to know about fast charging electric vehicles

Very popular with consumers for its efficiency and looks, fast charging often takes center stage. However, this is only a small part of the recharging options. Zeplug analyzed it from a practical point of view in order to better understand its interests and limitations.

What is fast charging?

In France, two types of trickle charging have been defined and used, including quick trickle charging, according to the following criteria:

• Normal charging:
  • Slow normal charging: It is about recharging from a household outlet with a capacity of 8 to 10 amperes (approximately 2,2 kW).
  • Standard Normal Charge : charging station from 3,7 kW to 11 kW
  • Normal Boost Charge: Boost charging corresponds to a charging power of 22 kW.
• Fast recharge: all recharges over 22 kW.

What is the use of fast charging stations?

With an average of 30 kilometers per day, conventional charging stations are more than enough to meet the daily charging needs of most French people. However, for long trips and refills, fast charging makes sense. It's even important to make up for the still limited range of electric vehicles for long journeys such as vacations. Indeed, these terminals already allow you to recharge approximately Autonomy 80% in 20-30 minutesallowing you to continue your journey in peace.

However, fast charging should be used sparingly. Using fast charging stations too regularly can adversely affect the battery life of electric vehicles, as their range will be significantly reduced.

however, this is not compatible with all electric vehicles. You can find a summary of the electric vehicles in existence in 2019 and their maximum charging power:

Find out the charging power of your car

Where can I find fast charging stations?

Fast charging stations are mainly installed on the main roads in France. Tesla has built the largest network of fast charging stations with over 500 blowers in France, currently reserved only for cars of the brand.

The Corri-Door network has 200 charging stations scattered throughout France. This network allows a large number of users to charge faster with up to 50 kW. This network is available with most of the public road charging badges sold in France.

Several other fast-charging networks are being developed in France and Europe, such as Ionity (a consortium of car manufacturers) or Total, to provide sufficient coverage throughout the area. The goal is to install a terminal approximately every 150 km.

Rapid recharging, which mainly allows you to replenish energy reserves when traveling long distances, has become important for the development of the electric vehicle. As an element of confidence for electric vehicle users, it is one of the pillars of the transition to electric mobility.