Electric Cars Technology, Batteries, and Charging Explained

Electric cars have, in just a few years, changed the landscape of personal transportation. From niche vehicles to the choice of the masses, the electric car has gained momentum – driven by climate goals, technological development, and improved infrastructure. But what actually happens under the hood, and how does charging work in practice? In this article, we take a closer look at the heart of the electric car – the battery – and the different ways you can charge, both at home and on the go.

The Battery: The Driving Force of the Electric Car

Instead of a combustion engine, electric cars use a battery to store energy and an electric motor to convert this energy into movement. The battery is therefore crucial for the car’s range, performance, and lifespan.

The development of battery types

In the early days of electric cars, lead-acid batteries were used, as we know from traditional starter batteries. These were heavy, inefficient, and had a short lifespan. Over time, the technology has improved significantly.

• NiMH (nickel-metal hydride): Used in early hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. Lighter and more stable than lead-acid, but still limited in capacity and weight.
• Li-ion (lithium-ion): The most widespread technology in modern electric cars. Provides high energy density, low weight, and good durability. Available in many variants.
• LFP (lithium iron phosphate): A newer type of li-ion battery that is gaining ground due to longer lifespan, high safety, and lower price – though with slightly lower energy density.
• Solid-state: The battery type of the future. Uses a solid electrolyte instead of liquid. Promises even higher capacity, shorter charging time, and increased fire safety. The technology is still under development and not yet commercially widespread.

Capacity and range

An electric car battery’s capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The higher the kWh, the longer the range. A small city car typically has a battery around 40–50 kWh (approx. 250–350 km range), while larger electric cars have up to 100 kWh or more (over 500 km range).

The range also depends on factors such as driving style, temperature, wind resistance, and use of air conditioning.

Charging: At Home and Publicly

One of the biggest advantages of electric cars is that you can “refuel” at home. But there are several types of chargers and plugs, and it can seem confusing. Here is an overview.

1. Home charging

The most practical charging method for most electric car owners. It can be done in two ways:

• Socket (granny charger): Charging via a regular 230V socket. Very slow (typically 8–12 hours for a full charge) and not suitable for daily use due to fire risk and wear on the house’s electrical installation.
• Wallbox: A permanently installed charging box with higher output (typically 11 or 22 kW). Safe, faster, and gentle on the power grid. Requires authorized installation.

2. Public charging

Along highways, at shops, parking lots, and in cities, you’ll find public charging stations. Here are the three main types:

• AC chargers (alternating current): Charge at 11–22 kW, same as a wallbox. Typically used at workplaces and public parking lots. Charging speed: 250 km in 3-4 hours.
• DC chargers (fast chargers): Charge at 50–150 kW (or more). Mainly found along highways. Charging speed: 250 km in 20–40 minutes.
• Ultra-fast chargers: Some charging stations (e.g. IONITY) can deliver up to 350 kW. This requires the car to support it. Very fast charging: 250 km in under 10–15 minutes.

Note that the above are estimates, which vary greatly from car to car. Some cars have a very flat charging curve, where the charging speed is kept constant for a long time, which means faster charging speed when charging for longer periods.

Plug types

• Type 2: Standard plug for AC charging in Europe. Used both at home and on public chargers.
• CCS (Combined Charging System): Used for DC charging. Has a Type 2 plug with two extra pins at the bottom for higher output.
• CHAdeMO: Older Japanese standard, still in use on e.g. Nissan Leaf. Slowly being phased out in Europe.

Charging Speed and Planning

Charging speed depends on three things:

• The car’s built-in charger: How many kW it can accept during AC charging.
• The charging point’s capacity: E.g. 11 kW at home or 150 kW at a DC fast charger.
• The battery’s current state: Batteries charge fastest between 10–80% – after that, the speed is automatically reduced to protect the battery.

Several electric cars and apps offer the option for scheduled charging at night, when electricity is cheapest and the grid is least loaded. This is good for both economy and the climate.

Conclusion

Electric cars are not just an environmentally friendly solution – they are also technologically advanced and practical, especially with the right charging structure. Battery technology is developing rapidly, and so is the charging network. With solid infrastructure and an understanding of charging, the electric car becomes a natural choice for many in the future of transportation.

Whether you are considering an electric car as a commuter, family car, or city vehicle, it is important to familiarize yourself with battery capacity, charging types, and daily needs – that way you get the most out of both range and driving experience.