More and more of us are choosing electric vehicles. In such a situation, the question of recharging it arises. Most of us opt for home charging. But how do you find your way through the jungle of proposed solutions? Futura and co-ideas platform EDF Pulse & You take stock of the topic.
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In the French automobile market, the share of electric vehicles is becoming increasingly important. From 7% in 2020, it is set to reach 15% in the first five months of 2023 this year. At the same time, the number of charging points open to the public is exploding. In May 2023, France passed the symbolic threshold of 100,000 charging stations. This is an increase of about 62% in one year.
But in fact, the overwhelming majority of electric car owners charge only at home. It is this observation that encouraged the co-thinking platform EDF Pulse & You to look into this question. What would be the ideal home charging solution for your electric vehicle? How to install it, at what cost or with what features? Over 500 experiences have already been shared. Many of which are questions. So for those wondering about the possibilities of charging your future electric car at home, here are some answers.
Do you know ?
Since 2016, the EDF Pulse & You co-ideas platform has set itself the goal of building the world of tomorrow around the experiences and reflections of Pulsars. More than 14,000 EDF project managers, start-ups and individuals have already registered. He regularly speaks on a variety of subjects.
You can very easily connect with them to enrich their exchanges. All you have to do is create an account, post your thoughts and vote for the best contributions. As a result, there are always campaign-themed prizes for the most creative Pulsars.
First, know that on paper, it is quite possible to recharge an electric vehicle at home by plugging it into an ordinary household outlet. Furthermore, most manufacturers provide a cable that allows you to do this. However, this raises some security issues. Even if it seems that most homes have sufficiently powerful electrical installations, it is better to check beforehand or get it checked by a professional to avoid any damage. Another disadvantage – definitely, this time – the recharging time which can be endless. Between 10 and 20 hours for cars equipped with batteries less than 50 kWh and at 80% charge. More than 30 hours for cars with a battery of 70 kW or more. However, if you are a short-term driver and only drive a few kilometers per day, charging your electric car from a home outlet may be sufficient.
Optimized solution for home charging of electric car
Another solution is to reinforce household sockets which may make it possible to recharge an electric car a little faster. For example, overnight for cars equipped with a battery of less than 50 kWh. Between 20 and 30 hours for a battery of 70 kWh or more. This requires a licensed electrician, but the time savings may be worth the cost.
The best solution is still the installation of a charging station at home. A wallbox, as the experts call it. Even a less powerful one can cut the charging time in half. The most powerful can charge cars equipped with batteries under 50 kWh in less than 2 hours, and those with 70 kWh or more in less than 5 hours. Installation may require obtaining a three-phase power subscription and installing a new meter with the intervention of a professional electrician. Even better than a certified Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVRI) electrician. It is therefore better to reserve the use of a so-called quick charging station – understand with a power of more than 11 kW – for those who use their electric car intensively or for those who have chosen a more powerful vehicle.
Another advantage is that the Wallbox can be programmed to charge only during off-peak hours and automatically shut off when charging is complete. Or when you use, at the same time your electric car is plugged in, your oven and your washing machine fade out. This will protect your installation from any kind of damage. And for the most anxious of you out there, know that some home charging stations require the use of a badge to unlock. what to stop “Energy Flights”,
The most advanced technology, known as V2G – for vehicle-to-grid —, allowing you to think of your electric car battery as an energy reserve for your home. This type of intelligent charging station allows, for example, batteries to be charged when renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, produces too much electricity. and, if necessary, restoring this electricity to the network when demand increases. The first advantage is that if during the day, you have used only 20% of your charge made in the off-peak time the previous night, you can take advantage of the remaining charge for your supply by connecting your electric car in the evening. Can House at low rate. Another advantage, if you provide V2G batteries for the network, is that you will be paid by the operators. Still, your electric car should be compatible with it.
Themes built in partnership with EDF teams