One of the most important aspects when using electric vehicles is the speed of their charging. Charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity has become a benchmark for quick charging during travel. This figure provides a realistic view of how efficient charging can be in the real world.
It's Not Just About Maximum Power
Often, we focus on the maximum power of charging stations, but this can be misleading. The true efficiency depends on how well the electric vehicle can utilize energy from the battery. It is essential for the vehicle not only to receive high power but also to effectively store and use this energy.
Many car manufacturers state ideal conditions under which their vehicles can gain hundreds of kilometers of range in just a few minutes. For instance, Lucid Air can gain 320 km in 12 minutes, while Model 3 and Model Y claim up to 320 km in 15 minutes.
However, it is better to specify charging from 10% to 80%. Charging from 10% to 80% is often the fastest part of charging a battery, which is why this figure has become a key benchmark. This interval represents the most efficient use of time and energy when charging on the go.
Different Types of Charging Connectors
In the Czech Republic, fast chargers are typically rated at 50 kW, 150 kW, or even up to 350 kW for CCS connectors. Some exceptions exist, but these values are generally standard for fast charging on main routes and highways.
The Situation in the Czech Republic
Currently, there are 4,278 charging points at 2,392 public charging stations in the Czech Republic, with a total installed capacity of 153.16 MW. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years when the number of stations and points was substantially lower.
The largest operators of charging stations in the Czech Republic are companies ČEZ, E.ON, and PRE. ČEZ operates 32% of all charging points, E.ON 17%, and PRE 15%. These companies cover most of the territory and provide charging services with various power levels, with an increasing number of fast-charging stations. Unfortunately, Tesla's Supercharger network still lags behind in the Czech Republic and remains a marginal provider of energy on the roads.
Geographically speaking, the highest number of charging points is in Prague, where there are 1,017 points available. Other significant regions include the South Moravian Region with 648 points and the Central Bohemian Region with 460 points. Conversely, the fewest charging points are in Karlovy Vary and Zlín Regions, with only 101 and 100 points available respectively.
By station type, most public charging stations are equipped with AC connectors, which make up 65% of all stations, while DC stations represent 35%. This indicates a growing trend towards installing fast-charging DC stations that allow quicker vehicle charging on longer journeys.
An essential factor is also the availability of charging stations on main transportation routes where charging during long trips is crucial. Currently, most of these stations are strategically located near highways and main roads, making trip planning easier for electric vehicle owners.
The situation regarding public charging stations in the Czech Republic is continuously evolving and improving, contributing to greater accessibility and convenience for electric vehicle users. With an increasing number of stations and rising charger power levels, electric vehicles are becoming a more practical choice for everyday use as well as long-distance travel.