Charging speed is much more important than range!
This page is translated from the original post "La vitesse de recharge est beaucoup plus importante que l’autonomie !" in French.
- 08/11/2024 11:34
No questions, just an observation. Electric cars need to become easier to use and therefore faster to charge.
Limited range, lack of charging infrastructure, and long charging times are the recurring criticisms of electric vehicles. There was a time when driving enjoyment and reliability were at the top of this list of grievances, but evidence has shown that electric cars are just as reliable as combustion engine vehicles, and the comfort of using an electric car is now recognized. Trying one often leads to adoption, so it’s best to avoid disappointment later! But whether it’s charging or range, significant improvements are expected in the coming years.
Range is increasing mainly because the energy density of batteries is improving to provide more energy with less weight. Technology is progressing at a rapid pace, and while ten years ago most vehicles had a range under 150 km, 600 km is becoming the standard. Since it is already completely unreasonable to travel such a distance without a break, why ask for more? But there is no reason to believe this increase will stop anytime soon.
Drive as much, but stop less long
The number of charging stations is also increasing rapidly thanks to good collaboration between suppliers, automakers, and public authorities. In addition to highways, new sites are added daily to expand the network. Supermarkets, hotels, and parking lots are installing charging stations for their customers, and companies are doing the same for employees.
So, are all signs in the green? Not quite. Currently, fast chargers can recharge electric vehicles in about half an hour. That’s good, but still too long. Because 10 minutes is enough to recover between 200 and 300 km of range depending on the vehicle, allowing us to look forward to the next charging station. But it’s still too long because on a long trip, every minute of stop adds up, and inevitably the comparison with combustion and hybrid cars is harsh. 3 minutes to fill up and have peace of mind for the next 4 hours—that’s true comfort.
This is why battery manufacturers today play a key role. Whether it’s BYD, CATL, LG, or Panasonic, to name a few, all work hand in hand with manufacturers and charging providers to reduce vehicle downtime. The future lies in movement.
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