Madrid, 17th January 2024. More and more establishments are joining the effort to promote the efficient adoption of electric mobility by installing charging points in their facilities. XCharge Europe GmbH (XCharge), a leading provider of high-power and battery-integrated charging solutions for electric vehicles, has compiled the main considerations so that petrol stations, service areas, shopping centres, supermarkets, car parks, hotels, or any establishment that wishes to do so, can get better prepared upon installing an electric vehicle charging station:
1. Professional Consultancy
To ensure a practical and cost-effective implementation of electric vehicle charging stations, XCharge recommends scheduling consultancy sessions with trusted providers.
These sessions offer personalized advice and flexible solutions, enabling strategic decisions such as determining the number of chargers, their specific power range, and optimal configuration.
To do this, the facility simply confirms the frequency, the number and type of cars entering and leaving the site at any given time and provides a map of the area to analyze the best location for chargers.
In the initial stage of charger installation, it's vital for the facility to check the available electrical capacity and allocate suitable power for EV chargers. This would help the experts to choose appropriate products with suitable power ranges, ensuring efficient charging without overloading the electrical system.
2. Connector and Cable-length Selection
When it comes to selecting connectors for EV charging points, installers often face the dilemma of choosing between the two most common connectors in fast charging, CHAdeMO and CCS2.
XCharge's expertise suggests that this decision can be influenced by EV models frequenting the charging station. If a significant number of cars are models like the Nissan Leaf, then incorporating CHAdeMO connectors becomes beneficial.
However, XCharge also notes that the transition to CCS2 connectors is currently trending, considering its higher power compared to CHAdeMO. The CCS2 connector can reach up to 360 kW, while CHAdeMO is limited to 60 kW. Additionally, there is a decreasing adoption of CHAdeMO by new EV models. As a result, CHAdeMO is being phased out, with less than 10% of chargers in Europe using it, according to XCharge figures. Therefore, in most cases, XCharge highly recommends opting for CCS2 connectors.
Considering the cable length is equally important, contingent upon the type of vehicle using the charging station, such as buses or cars. Larger vehicles, like buses or trucks, require usually a longer cable ranging from 5 to 10 meters, while 3 to 5 meters are often sufficient for passenger cars.
3. Method of Payment
Choosing between NFC readers and POS for payment methods is a common consideration.
In straightforward terms, a POS system covers broader payment methods compared to NFC, which does not support credit cards. However, it is essential to note that the cost of installing and maintaining a POS is considerably higher than that of an NFC reader. Considering cost-effectiveness, XCharge advises opting for a POS for public charging stations and NFC for private charging stations.
In addition, it is crucial to bear in mind the AFIR regulation, set to take effect from April 2024. This regulation mandates that all public EV chargers must incorporate regular payment methods, ensuring that end users can pay with a debit card without the requirement for a subscription to any membership. As a direct result of this regulation, the installation of POS terminals will become mandatory for all public chargers.
4. Supplier Evaluation
Given the current competition, delivering additional services such as Wi-Fi, resting areas or nearby amenities could help enhance user experiences. However, maintaining the chargers in an "always online" state with ensured optimal functionality is a paramount and decisive factor for the seamless operation of charging stations.
Javier Lázaro, Head of Sales of XCharge Europe, underscores the importance of selecting reliable and secure charger suppliers. Offering valuable insights, he provides tips for effectively filtering suppliers and products: "The simplest way is to check the product’s certifications, such as a CE certificate, to ensure its qualification. Additionally, it is advisable to opt for chargers supporting OCPP and secure OTA updates so to ensure easy maintenance and resilience of the charging system. "
Beyond product specifications, Javier also suggests evaluating whether the supplier maintains an in-house aftersales team capable of providing comprehensive one-stop services and maintenance. Taking a step forward, he recommends assessing the supplier's R&D capabilities and engineering mentality. This thorough evaluation ensures that the provider not only delivers quality products but also assists clients in tackling unique challenges, enabling them to remain competent in the dynamic and evolving EV charging market in the future.
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About XCharge Europe
XCharge Europe is a provider of high-power and battery-integrated charging solutions. Headquartered in Hamburg since 2017, the company supports industry leaders with innovative charging solutions and reliable after-sales service. With the addition of a new test lab in Hamburg in 2024, alongside the SGS testing facility in Madrid, XCharge Europe reinforces its commitment to the European market, enabling rigorous product testing, tailored solutions, and the advancement of e-mobility across the region.