Installers

DC – Direct current (= rapid charging): To charge a car with direct current (DC), a transformer station is needed to convert alternating current (AC) from the mains supply to direct current. This is a costly affair that requires a considerable amount of power from the mains network (approx. 125 A).
With direct current charging, the charger that is always in the car is not used. A battery is always direct current (DC), so the current is connected directly to the battery. This charging must occur carefully. If a battery cell gets too hot, it risks irreparable damage.

AC – Alternating current (= slow charging): In Europe, we use alternating current (AC) for user connections and have a three-phase network available. This is fine for charging electric vehicles. In most locations, we can get 32 A (22 kW) and sometimes even 63 A (43 kW) for charging. If your car’s charger can handle it, a 20-kW battery (average car) is 80% charged within 25 minutes.
AC (alternating current) charging is preferred due to the high cost of purchase, installation, and use. This will continue to be the most popular charging method in the future. DC (direct current) charging will only be efficient when travelling long distances without (longer) stopovers.

Broadly speaking, there are three types of cars that can run wholly or partly on electric power. Those with only an electric motor, the types equipped with an electric motor with a range extender, and the plug-in hybrids. What are the differences and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Fully electric (FEV)
Fully electric cars only have an electric motor. So, there is no need for expensive fuel. These also do not emit any harmful substances while driving. A longer trip with this type of car will require careful planning because the trip ends when the power runs out. For a fully electric car, this is usually after 150 kilometres. Then you will have to charge the car again.

Range extender (E-REV)
Electric cars with a range extender also run entirely on electricity. The difference is that there is a small combustion engine on-board for when the power runs out. The combustion engine does not drive the wheels. It charges the battery. So, you can continue the trip electrically. The electricity no longer comes from a charge point, it is generated using petrol or diesel. So, a range extender car will have to be refuelled.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
A hybrid car has both a combustion engine and an electric motor. When you can also charge the batteries from a power socket, this is called a plug-in hybrid. A larger battery pack allows a plug-in hybrid to drive longer distances on electric power. When the power is gone, you continue to drive with the combustion engine.