Charging modes for electric vehicles

What charging types are available? Find out the electric vehicle charging modes that there are currently available and how each one works.

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Before diving into the different charging types that exist today, it is very important to know the different types of connectors available on the market because they determine the charge type of your electric vehicle.

The number of electric vehicle charging facilities is increasing and is becoming more and more widespread in Spain. They must be designed according to specific needs, typology, and intended use. The facility type depends on charging modes and connectors.

Electric vehicle charging modes

Super slow charging – Schuko sockets:
- Specific Connector for E.V: No
- Charging type: Slow, AC (single-phase or three-phase)
- Max current:: 16A/phase (3.7kW- 11kW)
- Protections: differential + circuit breaker
- Special Features: Schuko socket with adapter.

Connection of the electric vehicle to the alternating current power supply via standard sockets with a current not exceeding 16A and voltage rated on the power supply side not exceeding 250 V AC in single-phase (3.7kW) or 480 V AC in three-phase (11kW), using the active and protection conductors.

Slow charging – Schuko connector:
- Specific Connector for E.V: No
- Charging type: Slow, AC (single-phase or three-phase)
- Max current: 32A/phase (3,7kW- 11kW)
- Protections: differential + magnetothermic
- Special features: special cable with an intermediate electronic device with pilot control function and protections.

Among the charging types available, this mode works by connecting the electric vehicle to the alternating current power supply not exceeding 32A and 250 V in single phase AC (7.4kW) or 480 V in three-phase (22kW), using three-phase or single-phase standard sockets.

By using the active and protection conductors together with the pilot control function and a protection system for individuals against electric shock (differential current device) between the electric vehicle and the plug or as part of the control box on the cable

Semi-fast charging – EVSE connector:
- Specific Connector for E.V: Yes
- Charging type: Slow or semi-fast (single-phase or three-phase)
- Max current: Depending on the connector used (up to 43kW in three-phase connection).
- Protections: Included in the special infrastructure for charging the E.V.
- Special features: Connection via EVSE.

Direct connection of the electric vehicle to the alternating current power supply using an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Power Supply System). The pilot control function reaches the control system of the EVSE, which is permanently connected to the fixed power supply system.

Definition of EVSE: Equipment set assembled for supplying electricity to charge an electric vehicle, including protections of the charging station, the connecting cable, (with phase, neutral and protection conductors), and the socket base or connector.

This system enables the communication between the electric vehicle and the fixed installation.

Fast charging – EVSE connector:
- Specific Connector for E.V: Yes
- Charging type: Fast-ultra fast
- Max current: Depending on the connector used, 50kW minimum (up to powers of 350kW or higher).
- Protections: Included in the special infrastructure for charging the E.V.
- Special features: Use of an EVSE that includes a fixed external charger and an AC-DC converter.

Connection of the electric vehicle to the alternating current power supply network not exceeding 32A and 250 V in single phase AC (7.4kW) or 480 V in three-phase AC (22kW), using single-phase or three-phase standard sockets.

Reviewing our most recent posts published about electric mobility, we have reached the current benefits and financial aids for sustainable mobility, stopping by the different types of connectors and, today, we analyse in this trip the ways of charging electric vehicles. At this point, we are just one stop away from saying yes to the future of electric mobility. Find out more about the regulations on these vehicles in the following post and travel in the most sustainable and greenest way.

By Pedro José Aguera #IDEAteams