Answer the most frequently asked questions about electric charging

Electric driving is becoming more widespread. Yet it is still fairly uncharted territory for many people. Most is known about electric cars, but what about everything around them? Where can you recharge and how does it work? Do you always need a charging pass? We list the most frequently asked questions about electric car charging – and, of course, together with Essent, provide the answers.

How easy is it to find a charging station?

Charging an electric car can be done in more and more places. In the busier parts of the Netherlands, even searching for a charging station is already a thing of the past. In addition, fast chargers can be found in more and more places along major (highway) routes, so you can also quickly recharge on the go if needed. Know exactly where to find charging stations? Several providers have a handy map for this purpose, for example Essent. With many electric cars, the navigation system also indicates where nearby charging stations can be found.

Will my electric car fit every charging station?

All electric cars delivered in Europe since 2014 have a Type 2 connector, also known as the Mennekes connector. This connection is intended for ordinary alternating current (AC) charging stations. For fast charging (with direct current, DC), the Type 3 connection has been the standard since 2017, also known as the CCS connection. That stands for Combined Charging System. ‘Combined’ means that this connection fits not only in fast chargers, but also in regular charging stations. So a Type 3 connection fits any connection, a Type 2 connection only fits regular charging stations.

Electric cars before these years still sometimes have a different type of connection. For example, the so-called Chademo connection for fast charging. Particularly common in older Asian electric cars is also the Type 1 connector, or Yazaki connector. That one is only for regular charging. Do you have an electric car with one of these now unusual connections? Don’t worry, adapter plugs are available for this. So you can still charge at modern charging stations.

How does charging my electric car work?

Charging an electric car is very simple. Almost all charging stations work the same way. Connect your car to the charging station. Hold your charging card in front of the reader and ready: the charging process begins. You will hear the plug being locked. That way, someone else can’t just pull your plug. Is the car charged (sufficiently)? Hold the charging card in front of the reader again, charging stops (or had already stopped automatically, because the battery is full) and the plug is unlocked. You are now ready to hit the road again!

How does a charge card work?

A charge card is a payment card (actually a pass, or a kind of keychain) for charging sessions. You use the charging card to sign in at the charging station, as described in the question above. The charge card is linked to your bank account. After the charging session, the amount will be debited automatically. The charge card can be purchased from several providers, such as Essent. This charging card works in the Netherlands and large parts of Europe. If you have your own charging station, you usually get the charging card with it.

Can I choose when my electric car charges?

At public charging stations and simpler private poles, you usually cannot choose a time of day. You start charging as soon as you plug in. Scheduling a charging session is only possible at the more elaborate types of private charging stations, called smart charging stations. With a smart charging station, you can plug in your car when you get home and then set a specific charging time. Or the charging station itself decides when is the most advantageous time to charge, as long as the battery is charged at the (preset) time you want to leave again. With a smart charging station, it is also extra easy to make use of, for example, self-generated electricity from your own solar panels. This way you charge your car with your own electricity, that’s another win-win situation!

Can my electric car also charge at a regular outlet?

Yes, but that takes a long time. Power from a household outlet is relatively weak. Charging the large battery of an electric car can then take as little as 12 hours or more. Another thing to watch out for: the power group you connect the car to. After all, you cannot simultaneously plug your washer, dryer, dishwasher and iron into the same power group and use them at the same time either. Finally, make sure the charging cable/adapter you use is properly protected against overheating. After all, charging an electric car requires quite a bit of power connection.

Want to know more about a suitable charging station or charging pass? Then schedule a free consultation with an Essent charging station advisor. This one will help you from advice to installation. That way you will soon be able to hit the road carefree!