The Future of DC Fast Charging for Electric Vehicles in Europe
Photo by YRKA PICTURED on Unsplash
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity across Europe, driven by a combination of government incentives, environmental awareness, and advancements in battery technology. However, one of the key factors that will determine the widespread adoption of EVs is the availability and efficiency of charging infrastructure. This blog delves into the future of DC fast charging for EVs in Europe, focusing on charging speeds, the evolving needs of electric vehicle users, and infrastructure requirements.
In brief:
DC fast charging speeds are rapidly increasing with new 400 kW chargers hitting the market but further increases in speed can be expected in the next few years.
EV charging needs to continue to improve the user experience to convert more drivers to electric vehicles - payment must be easy, chargers operational, and drivers shouldn’t have to worry about finding a place to recharge.
Infrastructure investments need to continue to ramp up to provide accessible charging points while ensuring that the stability and reliability of the electrical grid continues.
The current king of fast charging - the Lotus Emeya can charge at over 400 kW adding 310 km in just 10 minutes
DC charging speeds
DC fast charging, also known as Level 3 charging, provides a quick and efficient way to recharge an EV's battery. Unlike AC charging, which converts AC to DC power using the vehicle's onboard charger, DC fast chargers deliver power directly to the battery, significantly reducing charging time. With charging speeds ranging from 50 kW to over 400 kW, DC fast charging is essential for long-distance travel and reducing downtime for EV users.
The evolution of charging speeds has been remarkable. Initially, DC fast chargers offered speeds of around 50 kW, which allowed for a decent recharge time compared to AC chargers. However, as battery capacities increased and the demand for quicker charging grew, newer generations of DC fast chargers have emerged with significantly higher power outputs.
The introduction of 150 kW chargers marked a significant milestone. These chargers could replenish an EV battery to 80% in approximately 35 minutes, making long-distance travel more feasible. Many of the first-generation fast chargers are being upgraded to these higher power levels to meet the growing needs of EVs with larger batteries.
The latest developments in DC fast charging technology have brought ultra-fast chargers with power outputs of 400 kW or more. Multiple manufacturers are now offering chargers that can deliver 400 kW to a single vehicle. However, the main focus for most is supporting 2x200 kW sessions simultaneously on the same all-in-one charger. These chargers can potentially recharge an EV to 80% in less than 20 minutes. Such speeds are critical for the future, making recharging an EV approach the time to refill an ICE vehicle (and buy your snacks).
These higher output ultra-fast chargers will also support the electrification of eBuses and eTrucks which require quick turnaround times although new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) is more relevant for short stop charging for heavy-duty vehicles - more on that in another post.
Prediction: in the next couple of years, we will most likely see a charger OEM develop a charger that can supply 800kW in a standalone charger with the target of 2 simultaneous 400kW sessions.
Paying for your charging should be as easy as paying for your coffee - Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
The Evolving Needs of Electric Vehicle Users
For EVs to become a practical option for the masses, charging infrastructure must be convenient and accessible. This means not only increasing the number of DC fast charging stations but also ensuring they are located in places where users need them the most. Urban areas, shopping centers, workplaces, and highways are critical locations for charging points. Additionally, the integration of charging stations with navigation systems and mobile apps can help users easily locate available chargers and plan their routes accordingly.
Currently one of the biggest hurdles to EV adoption is that EV drivers often face challenges with multiple charging cards, apps, and subscription models. Too many drivers run into high prices when roaming with their eMSP or are forced to buy a subscription or download an app to unlock lower, reasonable rates for fast charging. To simplify the process, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) has mandated that for new public DC fast charging stations, drivers can pay easily with a payment card and without a subscription. Additionally charge point operators (CPOs) are required to display prices clearly with all components specific to the charging session communicated clearly to an end user before the start of a charging session.
Improving the overall user experience is vital for the widespread adoption of EVs. This includes not only faster charging times but also the availability of amenities at charging stations. Offering facilities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, food services, and comfortable waiting areas can make the charging experience more pleasant. Additionally, ensuring the reliability and uptime of charging stations is crucial. Regular maintenance and real-time monitoring can help prevent outages and ensure that chargers are always available when needed.
Charging needs to be wherever people want to drive especially along highways - Photo by EVBox
Infrastructure Expansion and Investment
The expansion of DC fast charging infrastructure requires significant investment from both the public and private sectors. Governments across Europe are providing subsidies, grants, and incentives to encourage the deployment of charging stations. At the same time, private companies, including energy providers, automakers, and charging network operators, are investing heavily in building and expanding charging networks. Public-private partnerships are crucial in bridging the investment gap and accelerating the rollout of fast charging infrastructure.
Strategic planning is essential to ensure the optimal placement of charging stations. Factors such as traffic patterns, population density, and proximity to major highways must be considered when selecting locations for new chargers. Advanced data analytics and modeling tools can help identify the best sites for charging stations, maximizing their utilization and impact. Additionally, integrating charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can enhance sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the charging network.
As the number of fast charging stations increases, so does the demand for electricity. Ensuring the stability and reliability of the power grid is a significant challenge. Smart grid technologies, including demand response and energy storage systems, can help manage the load and prevent grid overloads. Moreover, battery energy storage systems (BESS) offer a promising solution to enhance grid stability and make the charging infrastructure more resilient by allowing a charging site to balance power demands or even feed back into the grid at periods of high demand.
While Western Europe currently leads in EV adoption, there is significant potential for growth in emerging markets within Europe. Countries in Eastern and Southern Europe are beginning to invest in EV infrastructure, presenting new opportunities for market expansion. AFIR has set requirements for publicly accessible recharging stations along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) with a target for one recharging pool at least every 60 km on the TEN-T core network in each direction of travel. In addition to highways, there is a growing focus on installing DC fast chargers in urban centers and residential areas. This approach ensures that urban EV users have convenient access to fast charging, reducing the reliance on home charging infrastructure.
Conclusion
The future of DC fast charging in Europe is bright but only if the right decisions and investments are made to support the adoption of electric vehicles. More and more DC chargers with a high power output need to be available to drive recharge times down ideally below 15 minutes. The experience for EV drivers also needs to be a priority ensuring that chargers are readily accessible, easy to use, and payment isn’t harder than buying any other item. Finally infrastructure investments need to continue to ensure that reliability and uptime targets are met.
