Choosing a DC Fast Charger

One of the key initial questions for anyone looking at investing in EV Charging Stations, for Public charging, is 'How long can you distract the User for?'.  You can work out the kW size of Charging Station required, by this simple rule of thumb for a standard 30kW charge:

• 11/22kW AC = 3 hours
• 50kW DC = 45 mins
• 150kW DC = 15 mins

Achieving high Utilisation of the EV Charging Stations is key, and happy, regular Users will provide a faster return on your investment.

Target sites that are within high traffic areas, high local uptake of EV purchases, easy to get in and out of, and are close to shop, park of café.  Also, consider shading.

Once you have worked out the estimated  size of EV Charging Stations required, and anticipated utilisation, then multiply the max current by the number of stations expected to work at any one time.  Keep in mind that we have clever approaches to provide onsite Dynamic Load Management, to work within any constrained Electrical Infrastructure. 

The new design DC Fast Charging Stations take a Modular approach.  In short, the overall output is made up of individual 25 or 30kW module blocks.  This approach allows easy maintenance and repair, as well as an excellent advantage in charging.  Most units come with at least two connectors.  A modular unit will allocate modules per connector, allowing for more than one vehicle to charge at the same time.

The general understanding is that the CHAdeMO and CCS1 plug types are for the older or imported electric vehicles - such as the Nissan Leaf.

For DC Fast Charging Stations that don't offer simultaneous charging, then one side as CCS2 and the other as CHAdeMO made sense.  For Modular simultaneous Public charging Stations, the trend is however going towards 2 x CCS2.

For User engagement with the Charging Stations, security management, and for the Charger to get timely communication and firmware updates from the backend software, a good 4G and/or Wi-Fi hotspot signal is required at the EV Charging Station location.  

Additional Routers and Antennas can be installed, to strengthen a weak signal reception.