EV Charging Technical FAQ's

What is the difference between an AC and a DC charger?

An AC (Alternating Current) charger typically offers slower charging speeds, while a DC (Direct Current) charger provides fast charging. The output from an AC charger must be converted to DC power by the vehicle's onboard charger before it can be stored in the battery. In contrast, a DC charger bypasses the onboard charger and supplies DC power directly to the battery, enabling much faster charging times.Common power outputs for AC chargers are 3.5 kW, 7 kW, 11 kW, and 22 kW. Common power outputs for DC chargers are 30 kW, 60 kW, 90 kW, 120 kW, 180 kW, 240 kW and above.

How long does it take to fully charge an electric car?

Charging time depends on the size of the electric vehicle's (EV) battery and the power output (kW) of the charger.

• For AC charging, if a vehicle has a 55kWh battery and uses a 7kW charger (which generates 7kWh of electricity per hour), it will take approximately 8 hours to fully charge. With a 22 kW charger, it takes about 2.5 hours

•  For DC fast charging, using a 60kW charger on a 55 kWh battery would theoretically take about 55 minutes (55 kWh / 60 kW). However, when the battery reaches 80% capacity, the charging speed automatically slows down to protect the battery's health. Therefore, when discussing fast charging times, we usually refer to the time it takes to charge from 20% to 80%. Since battery capacities generally range from 40 to 70 kWh, depending on the vehicle, charging times will vary accordingly.

  
  

Why does my car only receive 60kW (or less) from an 80kW DC charger?

The charging output is determined by the vehicle's maximum acceptance rate and current demand. The EV's battery management system controls the charging process to ensure safety and protect battery life. Therefore, the charger will deliver only the power the car requests, regardless of its maximum capacity.

Can I charge two cars at the same time?

Yes, if the charger has dual ports, two cars can be charged simultaneously. In this scenario, the charger's total power output is typically split evenly between the two vehicles.

Will this charger be compatible with my vehicle?

Most EV chargers are compatible with all major electric vehicle brands. The key factor is the charging connector standard used in your region. South Africa uses the following standard: CCS2: The standard for EV charging.

What is OCPP, and do I need it?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the standard communication protocol used between EV chargers and central management platforms.

OCPP is highly recommended if you are installing a charger for:* Public charging stations* Commercial operations* Fleet management

Currently, we support OCPP 1.6 JSON and hold the OCA certificate for this standard. OCPP 2.0.1 is currently under development. For standard home use, OCPP functionality is usually not necessary.

What maintenance does an EV charger require?

• EV chargers require very little maintenance. Recommended routine checks include:Inspect the condition of the charging cable.

• Ensuring the charging connector remains clean and free of debris.

• Performing regular software updates.

• Conducting periodic electrical safety inspections.

• Cleaning the cooling fans and dustproof netting (especially for DC chargers).

  
  

Is it better to charge at home or use public chargers?

This is based on the car owner’s preferences. Home charging is generally AC charging, given most residential power and electricity setups. Public charging, particularly DC Fast Charging, is best utilised for road trips or when charging is essential while away from home and time is of the essence. Public charging also gives the user a direct cost for charging the vehicle, without including other consumption in the bill. With home charging, EV charging consumption is combined with the home’s electricity consumption and thus cannot be accurately measured or managed. 

Does DC fast charging damage the EV battery?

Excessive use of DC fast charging can negatively impact EV battery performance and durability over the long term. While DC fast charging is highly convenient and sometimes necessary for long trips, relying on it exclusively can degrade the battery faster than standard AC charging. It is best practice to use Level 2 (AC) charging for daily needs and reserve DC fast charging for when it is truly essential.

How does cold or hot weather affect EV charging and range?

Extreme temperatures can affect both the driving range and charging speed of an EV. In cold weather, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, which can reduce efficiency and increase charging times. Additionally, using the vehicle's heater or air conditioning requires more battery power, which can further reduce the effective driving range by 10% to 30%, depending on conditions and the battery make, size and technology.

What are the best practices to extend my EV battery's lifespan?

To maximise the lifespan of your EV battery, it is generally recommended to keep the battery charge level between 20% and 80% for daily use. Avoid frequently draining the battery to 0% or leaving it fully charged at 100% for extended periods. Check the vehicle's owner's manual for more information.