Is this electric car the best for you in 2024? (the reason will surprise you)
The transition towards sustainable mobility is accelerating in 2024 thanks to the increase in the adoption of electric vehicles. Choosing the most suitable electric car for you can be a complex decision, influenced by multiple factors such as range, ease of charging, and costs. In this article, we will explore the various options available to help you find the electric car that best suits your needs.
SUMMARY:
| main ideas | details |
|---|---|
| 🚗 transition towards sustainable mobility | Adoption of electric vehicles accelerated in 2024 |
| 🔋 types of chargers | Mode 1 to Mode 4, installations and charging capacities |
| 🌞 charging with solar energy | Using solar panels and portable solar stations |
| 🚙 choosing the right electric car | Consider daily needs and available charging options |
What types of chargers are available for electric cars ?
There are different types of chargers for electric cars, each with specific characteristics that facilitate charging according to your needs. Here I highlight the main charging modes :
- Mode 1 (Schuko) : This is the standard plug type, commonly used in Europe. Its charging capacity is limited and is not recommended for daily use due to its slowness.
- Mode 2 (Household plug with protection) : Offers more safety than Mode 1 and is ideal for occasional household use. Includes a charging control device.
- Mode 3 (Wallbox) : Used in homes and parking lots, providing faster and safer charging. Requires professional installation.
- Mode 4 (Fast charging with CHAdeMO or CCS connector) : Available at public stations, allows for fast charging and is ideal for long trips. Can exceed 150 kW in direct current.
Additionally, it is important to know the types of connectors :
- Type 1 : Common in the United States and Japan.
- Type 2 : Standard in Europe, suitable for most electric cars.
- CHAdeMO : Provides fast charging, mainly in Japanese vehicles.
- CCS : Combined with Type 2, offers fast charging and is common in current European and American cars.
Charging power for high-capacity car batteries
A crucial factor when choosing the ideal electric car is the battery capacity and the power needed for efficient charging. Higher capacity batteries (80-100 kWh) require powerful chargers for fast recharges.
There are chargers like the JuiceBox that allow three-phase charging of up to 22 kW, ideal for high-capacity cars when quick charging is needed. Other popular household charger models provide power of 3.6 kW and 7.4 kW, covering between 85 and 90% of the daily energy needs of an electric car. This efficiency in charging is supported by entities like AEDIVE.
To optimize charging and maximize battery capacity, it is recommended to contract more electrical power at home. A smart charger can help manage demand according to household consumption.
Comparison of the most common chargers :
| Type of Charger | Power (kW) | Charging Time (h) | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schuko Plug | 2.3 kW | 12-24 h | Emergencies |
| Wallbox | 3.6-7.4 kW | 4-6 h | Domestic |
| Fast charging CCS/CHAdeMO | 50-150 kW | 20-60 min | Long trips |
By choosing the right charger according to battery capacity, you can ensure that your electric car is always ready to use, no matter the distance you need to travel.
How to charge your electric car with solar energy ?
An increasingly popular option for charging electric cars is the use of solar energy. This method is not only sustainable but can significantly reduce charging costs.
There are multiple ways to charge an electric car with solar energy :
- Solar panels at home : Installed on the roof of the house, these panels can provide enough energy to charge your vehicle daily.
- Solar charging stations : Distributed in various cities, these stations convert solar energy into electricity for rapid vehicle charging.
- Portable solar chargers : Ideal for trips and for those who do not have access to a fixed charging point.
A company that offers advanced solutions in this field is Lumisolar, with its Wallbox Pulsar Plus capable of delivering up to 22 kW of power, equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and touch screens for more efficient use. The advantages of solar charging points include :
- Reduction of the carbon footprint.
- Energy independence.
- Long-term cost reduction.
Now is the perfect time to consider solar energy as a viable option for charging your electric vehicle, integrating clean technologies that benefit both the environment and your wallet.
Which electric car is the most suitable for you ?
To determine which is the ideal electric car for you, it is important to consider how you use your vehicle daily. According to my experience, the key is to define your specific needs.
Some questions you might ask yourself are :
- What distances do you travel daily ?
- Do you have access to household or public charging points ?
- Do you prefer fast charging or are you fine with charging overnight ?
An effective way to find the right electric car is to refer to a comparison guide, like the one I recommend.
Additionally, when looking at the current landscape, the increase in demand for these vehicles in the European market, as mentioned in the analysis of the increase in demand for electric vehicles, is crucial. Brands are also innovating in the manufacturing of electric cars with cost reductions, as Hyundai and Tesla are doing, improving accessibility for all.
In summary, whatever your choice of electric car, always make sure it aligns with your habits and enhances your daily life through the use of clean technologies.
For more details on the complete analysis of the advantages and challenges of electric cars compared to gasoline ones, I invite you to check this link.
