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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

at a glance

Which car is compatible?
What charging capacity do I need?
How do I install a Wallbox?

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

at a glance

Which car is compatible?
What charging capacity do I need?
How do I install a Wallbox?

What types of charging stations are there?

Charging stations are divided into two different charging types: AC charging stations (alternating current) and DC charging stations (direct current). With AC charging stations, charging capacities between 3.7 and 44 kW are possible. The alternating current is converted into direct current inside the electric vehicle, by means of a rectifier, as the battery is charged with direct current. In the case of the DC charging stations, the current is already converted into direct current within the charging station. With this charging method, charging capacities of up to 350 kW are possible. For this reason, these charging stations are correspondingly more cost-intensive. DC charging stations are mainly used at motorway service stations, as a fast charging process is expected at these locations. In urban areas, the AC charging station has established itself as the standard.

What type of connector is required when charging at charging stations?

According to the EU Parliament's draft law, type 2 has been the European standard for charging infrastructures since April 2014. However, there are adapter charging cables that can connect a charging station equipped with a type 2 socket to a vehicle equipped with type 1 plug.

How long does it take to charge?

The charging time depends on two criteria. On the one hand, the charging power of the charging station and on the other hand, the power input of the EV. This also depends on whether single-phase or three-phase charging is possible. The top 3 EVs in Germany have an average capacity of 40 kWh. Charging the battery with a capacity of 40 kWh (such as the Renault ZOE) can take between 19 hours and 2 hours.

Why you must NOT charge an electric vehicle at a SCHUKO socket outlet?

Charging at a SCHUKO socket outlet is not recommended for two reasons: The charging process will take several hours due to the low output and the power transmitted during a charging process is very high in relation to other consumers in the house. A SCHUKO socket outlet is NOT designed for such a protracted permanent load! It leads to strong heat development and in extreme cases even to the melting of the SCHUKO socket outlet.

Can I set the charging current individually?

Yes, the charging current can easily be adjusted to the available current by a qualified electrician using our software.

How far can I get with my fully charged electric vehicle?

The range of an electric vehicle depends on the battery size of the vehicle. Today's models have a range of up to 600 kilometers. However, the manufacturer's specification is below the range in real operation. In the real application, the range is reduced due to different driving behavior, as well as the use of features such as air conditioning and heating.

How do I start a charging process?

The vehicle must first be connected to the charging station. If the charging station is not set to free charging, you must authorize yourself with an RFID card or by app to start the charging process. Some backend providers also offer the possibility to authorize via SMS.

Can the plug be pulled out during charging?

No, IEC 62196-2 stipulates for safety reasons that during charging the plug must be locked inside the charging socket both on the infrastructure side and on the vehicle side.

What happens to the connector lock during a power failure?

In the event of a power failure, the plug lock is released and the plug can be removed from the charging socket.

What happens if the charging station overheats or overloads during charging?

An internal temperature monitor is integrated to protect the charging station from overheating. For this purpose, the charging current is automatically limited to a safe level. Electronic overcurrent protection also protects the charging cable from overloading.

What types of communication are there between the charging point and the backend?

There are various communication options for establishing communication with the backend. On one hand, communication can take place with the aid of LTE via a SIM card. On the other hand, it is possible to communicate with the backend via the integration of an existing LAN. Currently, ABL also offers communication via wireless LAN.

Which backend supports my charging station?

Every hardware manufacturer can offer different backend operators that are compatible with its charging stations. ABL offers the possibility to integrate almost any backend.

What is a controller-extender system?

In a master-slave configuration, several charging points are connected in series. One charging station acts as the controller. The communication controller (Single Board Computer short SBC) for controlling all charging points is integrated in the controller charging station. In addition, the connection to the backend runs via the master. Within the system, load management can be operated with a specified maximum current so that exceeding the maximum current is prevented. Optionally, the consumption of an entire building can be measured and the charging infrastructure adapted.

What do I do if I want to operate load management in a system with more than 16 charging points?

In this case, another controller-extender system must be set up. The possibility of cascading, i.e. a structure in which several controller-extender systems function in parallel with each other, will be planned for in the near future.

How large must the supply line at a charging station be?

The size of the supply line depends on the maximum charging current of the charging station and the length of the supply line. The supply line must be designed by a qualified electrician.

How is a charging station secured?

According to VDE0100-722:2016, each connection point must be protected by its own residual current protective device of at least type A with a rated differential current no greater than 30 mA. Charging stations with sockets or vehicle couplings must also have protection against DC residual currents.

Why is it billed at public charging points per quarter of an hour?

A bill for kilowatt hours purchased may only be drawn up by energy suppliers in accordance with the Energy Industry Act. For this reason, charging processes are usually billed on a time basis.

Why is there also a tariff for 0 kW at public charging stations?

When a charging process is completed at a charging station that is subject to a charge, no more electricity flows (0 kW). However, a parking fee will still be charged, as other electric vehicles will not be able to charge at this charging station.

Charging the private EV on the company premises. What requirements must a company meet? In view of the fact that the tax exemption only applies until 2020, must the electricity supplied to employees be recorded separately?

A basic distinction must be made between the employee and the visitor. By 2020, companies may give their employees the electricity used for charging. The electricity consumption for charging visitors EV´s must already be recorded and billed today. We therefore recommend that our customers purchase billable wallboxes, as it is expected that the electricity consumption for charging employees will also have to be recorded and billed from 2020.

Can I charge my car abroad?

Yes, roaming enables barrier-free loading abroad. In the same way, drivers of an EV from abroad can also charge their vehicle at charging stations in Germany.