The charging station
The place where you charge. A station can have one charger or several.
Charging guide
How to charge an electric vehicle: the simple guide
The words, the connectors, the time and the cost, explained in plain language. These are general facts about EV charging: your vehicle’s handbook has the last word.
The words
Station, charger, connector.
The charger
The machine that delivers the energy, called an EV charger or charge point.
The connector
The plug that goes into your vehicle’s charging port. A charger can have more than one.
AC and DC
Slow charging and fast charging.
AC charging
The car’s own on-board charger converts the current, which limits the speed, usually to between a few kW and 22 kW. It suits long stops.
DC fast charging
The charger converts the current itself and feeds the battery directly, often at tens of kW or more. Your car sets the upper limit.
Connector types
Know your vehicle’s port.
Type 2
A common AC connector, especially on vehicles made for Europe.
CCS2
A DC fast-charging connector that adds two power pins below a Type 2 port.
GB/T
The Chinese standard, with one port for AC and another for DC.
CHAdeMO
A DC fast-charging connector that started in Japan.
On Movanect, the app shows the type of each connector before you start.
Time and cost
Two simple calculations.
How long does it take?
Divide the energy by the power. Example: 36 kWh at a steady 60 kW takes about 36 minutes. In real life it takes longer, because speed drops as the battery fills, above all past about 80%.
How much does it cost?
On a per-kWh tariff, multiply the energy by the price. Example: 20 kWh costs 20 times the price per kWh shown. Some tariffs also have a minimum or a fee for staying plugged in.
Good habits
At the charger.
- Check that the connector fits your vehicle before you go.
- Do not use a charger or a cable that looks damaged. Report it.
- Move your vehicle when charging ends, so the next driver can charge.
FAQ
Questions about charging an electric car.
What is the difference between kW and kWh?
kW is the speed at which energy flows. kWh is the amount of energy put into the battery.
Why does charging slow down near the end?
The vehicle reduces the power as the battery fills to protect it. That is normal.
Can I use any charger?
Only one with a connector that fits your vehicle, or with an adapter approved for it by its maker.
What does a charge cost with Movanect?
The app shows the price per kWh, VAT included, before you start, and you can set an amount to stop at.
See it in the app.
Find a charger and see its connectors and price.