If you use the Endolla network and have an electric vehicle, you should know by now that there are different kinds of connectors. But if you're planning on buying one of these vehicles and want to start the year reducing your CO₂ emissions, here’s a summary of the connectors you’ll find in the Endolla network, how they differ from one another, and how to use them.
Specifications
When talking about charging connectors, we mean the plugs that connect the vehicle to the charging station. Connectors vary, depending on the country and the vehicle’s manufacturer. What's more, each connector is specifically designed for a certain power capacity and charging mode.
There are currently four connectors available for the Endolla network:
• The Schuko connector is the plug usually found in household appliances. The maximum power this type of connector offers is 3.6 kilowatts. In the Endolla network, you can find them in the Barcelona de Serveis Municipals car parks. You’ll also find it at on-street motorcycle charging stations, since it’s the most common connector type for electric motorcycles.
• The Mennekes connector is the European standard. 3.6-kilowatt Mennekes connectors for cars and motorcycles are available in the Barcelona de Serveis Municipals car parks. You can also find Mennekes connectors with power of up to 22 kilowatts at on-street fast charging stations for cars, where you can charge enough energy for a range of up to 65 kilometres in 30 minutes.
• The Chademo connector is for quick charging. It’s commonly found in Asian electric car models. In the Endolla network, Chademo connectors can be found at on-street car charging stations. Its maximum power is 50 kilowatts and you can charge enough energy for a range of 100 kilometres in 20 minutes.
• The Combo or CCS connector is common in American and European markets. It comes from the combination of the standard Mennekes connector adapted for faster charging. You can find it at the Endolla network’s on-street fast charging stations for cars. As with CHAdeMO connectors, the maximum power is 50 kilowatts and you can charge enough energy for a range of up to 100 kilometres in 20 minutes.
Normal charging, the recommended option
Currently, normal charging is the most advisable option for safety and sustainability reasons. This is also the option major electric vehicle manufacturers recommend.
To keep electric vehicle batteries in the best shape possible and extend their life, industry professionals emphasise the importance of using low-power connectors as your standard charging method.
Go to the Endolla network to look for the appropriate connector for conveniently and easily charging your electric vehicle. Make an informed choice about the charging option you need at any time and remember to use the slow-charging option for regular charging.
