FAQs

Traditional vehicles are colloquially known as "combustion engines." They use fuels like gasoline or diesel and burn them to power a combustion engine that provides energy for the vehicle. This process of burning fuel emits pollutants such as CO₂ and particulate matter, which are harmful to the environment and contribute to climate change. Alternative drives have been developed as more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional combustion engines. Below are the most important alternative drives listed and briefly described:

• Electric Drive (BEV): Vehicles with electric motors and rechargeable batteries.
• Hybrid Drive: Combination of combustion and electric motors:
  • Mild Hybrid: Assisted by an electric motor but cannot run on electricity alone.
  • Full Hybrid: Can drive short distances purely on electricity.
  • Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Larger battery, rechargeable externally, longer pure electric ranges.
• Fuel Cell Drive (FCEV): Hydrogen is converted into electrical energy, emissions are only water vapor.
• Natural Gas (CNG): Vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, less CO₂ emissions.
• Autogas (LPG): Vehicles with liquefied petroleum gas, also lower emissions.
• Biofuels: Made from biological materials like vegetable oil or ethanol, for modified combustion engines.
• Synfuels/E-Fuels (synthetic fuels): Made from renewable energy and CO₂, CO₂-neutral when using renewable energy.
• Solar Vehicles: Use solar cells for electrical energy, mostly for small vehicles or special applications.
• Hydrogen Combustion Engine: Modified engines that burn hydrogen, fewer emissions than conventional fuels.

BEV

• Advantages: Emission-free operation, high efficiency, quiet.
• Disadvantages: Battery production impacts the environment, charging infrastructure not as widespread as gas stations.

PHEV

• Advantages: Flexible, emission-free driving on short distances.
• Disadvantages: Heavier, lower efficiency due to higher weight.

FCEV

• Advantages: Fast refueling, long range.
• Disadvantages: High energy demand for hydrogen production, few refueling stations.

E-Fuels & Biofuels

• Advantages: Existing infrastructure and vehicles can be used.
• Disadvantages: Low efficiency, high costs, limited availability.

• BEV: Increasingly more models available, growing demand.
• PHEV: Many manufacturers offer hybrid systems.
• FCEV: Very limited range, mostly only from Toyota, Hyundai, or Honda.
• E-Fuels: Still in development, no broad market introduction.

While the charging infrastructure for BEVs and PHEVs is steadily growing with more charging stations and wall boxes being installed, the hydrogen refueling network (FCEV) is very limited. PHEVs and combustion engines benefit from the large number of gas stations and the growing number of charging stations, while E-Fuels are currently not available due to high production costs. As a result, PHEVs can currently only be used with conventional gasoline or diesel.

Yes, particularly:

• BEV: 200–700 km, depending on model and battery.
• PHEV: 30–100 km electric, then gasoline/diesel.
• FCEV: 500–800 km.
• Traditional Combustion Engines (Diesel/Gasoline): 600–1000 km.
• Combustion Engines with E-Fuels: Similar to diesel/gasoline.

An electric car registered in 2023 performs better after 45,000 kilometers compared to a gasoline car. Compared to a diesel car, it performs better even after 25,000 kilometers. The largest share of emitted CO₂ in E-cars is due to battery production. With new battery systems and increasing production, CO₂ emissions from new electric cars are continuously decreasing. Advantages of electric cars: No local emissions, low CO₂ emissions, higher energy efficiency.

Refueling a car with a combustion engine usually takes only a few minutes (typically 3-5 minutes) and enables a typical range between 600-1000 km depending on the size of the vehicle and driving style. When driving, the combustion engine produces CO₂ emissions and other pollutants that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Charging an electric car can vary depending on the type of charging station and the battery's state of charge.

• At a regular household socket (2.3 kW), it can be charged for several hours or overnight, with only a small range being recharged.
• At a fast-charging station (50 kW or more), charging to 80% capacity can take about 20 minutes to an hour. Typical ranges between 200-500 km are recharged, with the range depending on driving conditions (temperature, model, and driving conditions).

Charging the car is very similar to charging electronic devices. You drive to the charging station, park the car, connect the charging cable to the car and the charging station, and start the charging process. Payment is often made via apps, charge cards, or directly at the charging station, making it currently more complicated than at conventional gas stations. Unlike combustion engines, electric cars produce no direct emissions and are therefore more environmentally friendly in operation. However, the environmental balance also depends on the type of generated electricity (renewable energy vs. fossil fuels).

Manufacturers of electric cars specify the battery's capacity either in net or gross:

• Gross Capacity: This is the total capacity of the battery. It indicates how much energy the battery can store when fully charged.
• Net Capacity: This is the usable capacity of the battery. It is the amount of energy that can actually be used to operate the car. Part of the gross capacity is reserved to extend the battery's lifespan and prevent damage.

Simply put: The gross capacity is the total amount of energy the battery can theoretically store, while the net capacity is the amount you can actually use.

You can charge your electric car with a suitable charging cable. Within Europe, there is a uniform charging system, the Combined Charging System (CCS). The CCS car charging system is a standard for charging electric cars (EVs). It allows charging with a single connector face in the car, supporting both slow charging (alternating current, AC) and fast charging (direct current, DC).

AC Charging (Alternating Current):

• What is AC? AC stands for 'Alternating Current,' which is the type of electricity that comes from most home outlets.
• How does it work? During AC charging, the car is connected to a regular socket or a special charging station. The car has a built-in charger, also called an On-Board Charger (OBC), that converts the alternating current into direct current (DC) because the battery can only store DC.
• Speed: AC charging is usually slower. It's suitable for overnight charging at home or at public charging stations when you can park for longer periods.

DC Charging (Direct Current):

• What is DC? DC stands for 'Direct Current.' It is the type of current that directly flows into the car's battery.
• How does it work? During DC charging, the car is connected to a special fast-charging station. This station converts alternating current into direct current before it is fed into the car. This allows the current to flow directly into the battery without the car having to convert it.
• Speed: DC charging is much faster. It's suitable when you're on the go and need to charge the car quickly, for example, at highway rest stops.

The charging speed or power being charged into the vehicle is indicated in kilowatts (kW). It indicates how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) can theoretically be charged per hour. Since the vehicle's average consumption is given in kilowatt-hours, this allows for an estimation of the recharged range. The maximum possible charging power is always indicated on both charging cables and charging stations. For AC charging, it ranges from 2.4 kW-44 kW, and for DC charging, between 2.4 kW-500 kW.

What types of AC charging are there?

• Schuko Socket (up to 2.3 kW): Slow charging using a Mode 2 charging cable or a mobility dock. It's more of an emergency solution.
• Wallbox and High-Voltage Plug (3.7–22 kW): Faster charging at home or at campsites using the high-voltage connection with a Mode 2 or Mode 3 charging cable.
• Public AC Charging Stations (11–22 kW): Often found in cities at parking lots, shops, and corporate buildings. Charging is done via a Mode 3 charging cable.

During AC charging, a suitable charging cable is required to reach the desired charging power. The charging power depends on the number of charging lines in the cable:

Single-Phase Charging:

• Power: Typically up to 7.4 kW.
• Voltage: 230 volts.
• Description: This uses one phase of the power grid. This method is widespread and can be used at normal household sockets or special wall boxes. It's the slowest method of AC charging and is suitable for overnight charging or at places where the vehicle is parked for a longer period.

Three-Phase Charging:

• Power: Typically up to 22 kW.
• Voltage: 400 volts.
• Description: Three phases of the power grid are used during three-phase charging, increasing the charging power and thus the charging speed. This method requires special charging equipment, such as wall boxes or public charging stations that support three-phase power.

During AC charging with the Type 2 plug used in Europe, the following charging methods are distinguished:

Mode 3 Charging:

Mode 3 charging is the most common form of AC charging. It involves charging with a cable that has two Type 2 connectors on a charging infrastructure specifically designed for electric mobility. These are used to charge at wall boxes or charging stations.

Mode 2 Charging:

Mode 2 charging is a method for charging electric vehicles, mainly used for charging at home or at locations without special charging infrastructure. This includes typical household sockets but also camping plugs or high-voltage plugs. An important feature of Mode 2 charging is the integrated protection device (ICCB - In-Cable Control Box) built into the charging cable. This box ensures safety by monitoring the charging process and interrupting the power flow in case of problems (e.g., overheating or short circuit). While up to 2.3 kW can be charged at a regular household socket, high-voltage plugs allow up to 22 kW. Since these are different plug types, there are either separate charging cables for the respective plugs or a charging cable that can be modularly upgraded with multiple plug faces.

The charging cable is responsible for communication between the car and the charging station. It determines the charging power for which the On-Board Charger in the car, the charging cable itself, and the charging station are designed. The highest charging power that all participants can provide is then used for the charging process. Therefore, a car can only be charged as quickly as the On-Board Charger and the charging cable allow. Choosing the right charging cable based on the car can thus save money and time.

• Wallbox or Charging Station (3.7-50 kW): At hotels or also in houses.
• Fast Charging (50–150 kW): On highways and expressways.
• High-Power Charging (HPC) (150–350 kW): Extremely fast charging for long distances, mostly found on highways.

During DC charging, a permanently installed CCS2 charging cable is used within Europe. During DC charging, the charging cable is permanently attached to the charging station. The specified power is provided by the charging cable. Due to the high charging powers flowing into the battery, heat is generated. This heat development and the amount of energy already stored in the battery are transmitted to the charging station via the charging cable to adjust the charging power to the current conditions. This reduction in actual charging power is done automatically and is made to prevent overheating of the battery and associated damage.

To achieve a long battery life, it is often advised to keep the battery mostly in a range between 20-80% of battery capacity. This can prevent several battery-damaging effects. For one, increased heat development occurs while charging above 80%, as a battery operates most efficiently and safely when used in a medium charge range. Additionally, wear and tear are prevented, as very high and very low charge levels can accelerate the chemical aging process of the battery.

Yes, as long as they have the correct specification (e.g., Type-2 for AC, CCS2 for DC in Europe).

By handling and maintaining the charging cable correctly, you can ensure that it functions safely and efficiently and has a long lifespan.

Storage:

• Dry Environment: Store the charging cable in a dry place to avoid corrosion and other damage.
• Cleanliness: Keep the cable clean and free from dirt and deposits.
• Orderliness: Roll the cable neatly without tight kinks or knots to avoid damage.

Usage:

• Cable Protection: Avoid pulling the cable over sharp edges or through tight corners that could damage the cable.
• No Overrunning: Ensure that the cable is not run over, as this can damage the insulation and internal wires.
• Protect Connectors: Protect the connectors from water and dirt and avoid dropping or handling them roughly.

Maintenance:

• Regular Inspection: Check the cable regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or other damage.
• Cleaning: Clean the cable contacts regularly with a dry cloth. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or water.

Usage Instructions:

• Do Not Overstretch: Do not pull on the cable to disconnect it. Hold the plug firmly and pull it straight out.
• Observe Temperature Ranges: Avoid extreme temperatures that could make the cable material brittle or damage it. The charging cables from Lapp can be safely used in temperature ranges between -30°C and +50°C.
• Caution in the Rain: If possible, avoid using the cable in heavy rain to prevent short circuits.

Safety:

• Replace Defective Cables: If the cable is damaged, replace it immediately to avoid electrical hazards.

The car as well as the charging cable must support 22 kW. Many BEVs charge at a maximum of 11 kW AC due to the On-Board Charger.

A more powerful Onboard Charger (OBC) allows for faster AC charging.

Example:

• 7.4 kW OBC: Charges at max. 7.4 kW at an AC wall box.
• 11 kW OBC: Charges at up to 11 kW (faster).
• 22 kW OBC: Even faster, but rarely installed in cars.

It has no influence on DC charging since no conversion by the Onboard Charger is required.

• The car only supports a lower AC power (e.g., 7.4 kW instead of 11 kW).
• The cable or power connection limits the charging power.
• Software limitation in the car or at the charging station.

• Increased Heat Development: Fast charging generates more heat than slow charging. Excessive heat can affect the chemical processes in the battery and lead to faster aging of the battery.
• Accelerated Wear: Frequent fast charging can accelerate the natural aging process of the battery. The electrochemical reactions occurring at high charging speeds can wear out the anode and cathode more quickly.
• Reduced Capacity: Over time, frequent fast charging can lead to a faster decrease in battery capacity. This means the vehicle's maximum range is reduced.
• Cell Balancing: Batteries consist of many individual cells that all need to be charged evenly. Fast charging can make it more difficult to charge the cells evenly, which can lead to imbalances.
• Battery Management System (BMS): Modern electric vehicles are equipped with advanced battery management systems that monitor and protect the battery during fast charging. These systems can reduce the charging speed if the battery gets too hot or other problems are detected.

It's important to note that occasional fast charging is generally unproblematic, especially if the vehicle is designed for these charging processes. To maximize battery life, however, it is recommended to predominantly use slow or moderate charging and reserve fast charging for situations where it is really necessary.

Cold (-10°C):

• Reduced battery efficiency leads to higher consumption.
• Range can drop by up to 20–40%.
• Heating the interior consumes additional battery.
• Charging speed decreases.

Heat (+30°C):

• Battery temperature management and air conditioning can cause additional energy consumption.
• Charging power can be throttled to avoid overheating.

Solutions:

• Use pre-conditioning while the car is plugged in.
• Don't drive the battery completely empty, especially in winter.
• Slow charging in winter can be more efficient.

No, but the charging infrastructure is growing. There are many charging stations in cities and along highways, but it can be patchy in rural areas. With a Mode 2 charging cable or the Mobility Dock from Lapp, emergency charging can also be done at typical household sockets.

Yes, there is DC fast charging (50–350 kW and more). Your car determines how much power it can take. Fast charging is ideal for long distances but should not be used permanently to conserve the battery.

• At Home: With a wall box (3.7–22 kW) or a household socket (2.3 kW, slow).
• Public Charging Stations: AC (up to 22 kW) or DC fast chargers (up to 350 kW).
• On the Go: Fast charging on highways or in cities.

• Use the right cable and the appropriate plug.
• Observe the charging power of the car and the charging station.
• In extreme temperatures, preheat the battery if possible or charge more slowly.

To achieve the longest possible battery lifespan, it is often recommended to keep the battery mostly within a range of 20-80% of its capacity. This can prevent several battery-damaging effects. For one, increased heat generation occurs when charging above 80%, as a battery operates most efficiently and safely when used within a moderate charge range. Additionally, wear and tear are prevented, as very high and very low charge levels can accelerate the battery's chemical aging process.

Yes, for example:

• PlugShare
• Chargemap
• EnBW mobility+
• Tesla Supercharger (for Tesla drivers)