Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The charging station

How long does it take to recharge the battery?

> The theoretical charging time is directly related to the power of the charging station. The charging power is the product of the current (in Amps) and the charging voltage (in Volts). A 16 amp single phase (230 volts) charging point will give a charging power of 3.7kW.

Which charging point should I choose?

> There are different models of plugs and charging stations. The main differentiating factor is the charging power. But the choice of model must above all be made according to your vehicle and your use (see vehicle below)

How do you choose quality equipment?

> You can rely on several criteria such as resistance indices, the manufacturer’s reputation and material guarantees. A charging station must be weatherproof (IP54 protection index) and shockproof (IK10 resistance index). We install charging stations from major French and Spanish manufacturers of electrical equipment. Their extensive expertise in the electrical industry ensures the reliability and durability of the recharging solutions.

What is the best time to recharge your vehicle?

> Recharging at home at night allows you to benefit from the “off-peak” electricity rate, which is lower than during the day. This is the best way to save money with electricity.

What are the other advantages of a charging station?

> Faster charging: You can charge your vehicle much faster, up to twice as fast in some cases!

Is it easier to manage the charging yourself?

> Ease of use: you don’t have to keep picking up and putting away the cable that came with your vehicle

Is it safer to own a charging station at home?

> It is safer: the charger is installed on a dedicated electrical circuit. No more risks of overvoltage and overheating!
Smartphone application, meter reading, secure access by key or badge, etc.

What questions should be asked before starting work?

> Is normal, semi-fast or fast charging suitable for my electric vehicle? What are the different electrical configurations? 230 or 400V? Single or three-phase? What is the power of your connection (usually 40A or 10kVA for private customers)? Is there a ground wire?

Does the terminal monopolise a lot of power?

> Yes. Make sure that the power of your installation is sufficient to meet your domestic use AND the charging station. Your vehicle’s charging station consumes a lot of power. Allow for a comfortable margin in addition to the power needs of your charging station.

The vehicule

How to estimate electricity costs?

> You need to know the energy consumption of the electric vehicle. The consumption depends directly on the type of vehicle.

What does electricity consumption depend on?

> The consumption of fuel or electricity depends directly on the journeys made. An electric vehicle consumes the least amount of energy in urban areas, which is where you will save the most money.

What is more important? Use or range?

> The choice of recharging solution depends more on the use of the vehicle than on its range. For example, if your vehicle has a range of 300km but you only drive 30km per day and you recharge your vehicle every day, a high power charging point will not be of much interest. A simple reinforced socket will allow you to recharge 30km in 3 hours.

Must the vehicle and charging point be compatible?

> The charging power depends on the electric vehicle. Some vehicles, particularly plug-in hybrids, limit charging to 10 or 14 amps. In this case, the charging power is limited to 2.2kW or 3kW regardless of the power of the charging station. For many electric vehicles, three-phase charging is not possible. In this case, the power is limited to 7.4kW and a higher power terminal will be unnecessary.

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