What actually sets the charging speed?
Speed is not decided by the station alone. It depends on the maximum power the car accepts, the current state of charge, battery temperature and the power available at the station.
That is why two cars on the same 180 kW charger can charge at very different rates: a car that accepts 50 kW will charge at 50 kW.
Why stop at 80%?
Above 80% the car deliberately reduces power to protect the battery. As a result, 80% to 100% can take almost as long as 20% to 80%.
On a long drive it is more efficient to stop at 80% and keep going, then top up to 100% on AC at home or at your destination.
When to use DC, and when AC
- DC charging: long trips, short stops, fleets in heavy use
- AC charging: overnight at home, during the working day, at a hotel or shopping-centre car park
- 22 kW AC: when the car sits for 3 – 8 hours and you want a full battery
How to plan the stop
The ECHARGE location map shows each station's power, available connectors and how many chargers are free right now, straight from our charging platform. That lets you plan the stop before you set off rather than on the road.
Where to next
Questions about your project?
Our team helps with charger selection, grid sizing and installation.