The importance of electric vehicles in modern transport and their use as an alternative to traditional internal fuel-powered vehicles is constantly growing. Did you know that it is important to start considering the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles when planning a new garage or parking space? We’ll talk more about this in the following article, where we’ll summarize the topic of these modern vehicles.
The demand for electric cars is growing steadily
The growth in demand for electric cars is the result of many factors, including increased consumer awareness and education, the decreasing cost of battery production and the increasing number of charging stations. Deloitte conducted a survey in 2021, which found that up to 50% of European consumers are considering an EV as a purchase option. By 2030, EVs are expected to account for up to 70% of new car sales in Europe, and there is speculation that there will be a complete ban on fuel-powered cars by 2035. According to January data, there are currently over 14,000 electric cars in the Czech Republic.
Total cost of running an electric car
Despite rising energy prices, the total cost of running an electric car remains significantly lower than that of a petrol or diesel car. Across 18 European countries, the total cost of running an electric vehicle is better than that of a fuel car.
What does the total cost of running an electric car depend on?
- the price of electricity
- the number of kilometres driven
- maintenance and repair costs
- the cost of purchasing the vehicle
- the amount of government subsidies or tax breaks
State subsidies for electric vehicles
In some countries, state subsidies for electric vehicles are very high and can be a deciding factor when considering the purchase of an electric vehicle. In the Czech Republic, state subsidies for electric vehicles are also available, the amount of which depends on the specific programme. The aim of state subsidies is to promote low-emission transport and contribute to environmental protection.
Are you planning to build a garage for an electric car?
When planning the construction of a garage for an electric car, it is also advisable to think about the charging infrastructure. The optimal location of the charger can make charging your electric car easier and faster. There are several reasons why it is better to consider the location of the charger during the construction of the garage:
Electrical installation – it is necessary to ensure sufficient electrical installation for charging (electricity supply to the garage and installation of a suitable electrical circuit for the charger),
cost – if you decide to install the EV charger after the garage is completed, the installation costs may be higher,
Charging the electric car
Charging an electric vehicle is a key element that greatly affects the convenience and practicality of using this type of vehicle. There are various ways to charge an electric vehicle, both at home and on the road. Today, different types of charging stations and charging speeds are already available, which has helped to make charging an electric car faster and more efficient than ever before.
Charging an electric car from photovoltaics
A very environmentally friendly and cost-effective option is charging your electric car from photovoltaics, which allows you to harness clean energy from the sun to power your vehicle. Using photovoltaic panels to charge an electric car can bring a number of benefits, including:
Low energy costs,
independence from the grid,
green and sustainable energy,
the possibility of controlling energy consumption.
Charging an electric car from a socket
This is the most common way of charging electric vehicles. Charging an electric car from a socket is convenient and practical, but safety must not be neglected. You must choose the right type of charger. There are two types of cables for charging electric cars: a cable with a built-in charger and a cable without a built-in charger. In addition to the right type of socket, it is also essential to ensure sufficient power for charging.
Electric vehicle charging speed
The charging speed of an electric car depends on many factors such as the capacity of the battery, the type of charger, the power of the electricity source or the temperature of the battery. It is usually given in kilowatt hours (kWh) or as a percentage of the full battery capacity that can be charged in a certain amount of time. There are three primary types of EV chargers: slow, medium and fast. Slow ones typically have a capacity of up to 3 kW and a charging time of about 10-12 hours. Medium ones have a power of around 7 kW and take 4-6 hours to charge. And fast ones have a power of up to 350 kW and can charge an electric car in 20-40 minutes.
Are you planning to buy an electric car?
It’s worth considering which type of EV charging will be best for you – whether you’re more likely to charge at home, at public charging stations or from photovoltaics. Be sure to also consider the battery capacity and charging speed to suit your needs and planned journeys. Nowadays, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is constantly expanding and improving, so you don’t need to worry about charging.
Need help with electrical management?
We can advise on simple ways to charge your electric vehicles. If you don’t know what to do, contact us and we’ll be happy to tell you everything you need to know.