THE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE
Basically, there are two types of electricity for charging:
Alternating current (AC) = normal charging, charging power: 2.3 kW to 22 kW and
Direct current (DC) = fast charging, charging power: 22 kW to currently approx. 350 kW
Both types have different charging times due to the different charging speeds that result from this and require different plugs.
CCS charging, which is widespread in Germany, enables both charging methods. The abbreviation CCS stands for "Combined Charging System". A CCS charging station is a combined charging system that is suitable for charging with both direct current and alternating current. Alternating current (AC) charging is done with the Type 2 plug. The Combo-2 connector is used for direct current (DC) charging.
Again, everything is simpler than it sounds: Most charging stations offer several plugs - but only the correct plug fits on the vehicle coupling. This also applies to the CHAdeMO standard, which originates in Japan, and the U.S. manufacturer Tesla, which offers its own plug and charging system.
CHARGING AT PUBLIC CHARGING POINTS
You can charge relatively worry-free at over 1,700 publicly accessible charging points in Berlin. Relatively, because the vehicle must fit the charging offer. This sounds more complicated than it is in reality. This is because the charging stations recognize the correct charging method completely automatically. You can connect to the column via corresponding apps on your smartphone or so-called RFD cards, which you can keep in your car or wallet.
This is ensured by the technology installed in the charging points, vehicles and charging cables: The vehicle and charging infrastructure communicate with each other and automatically coordinate the charging method and charging speed. Drive forward, plug in, authorize, charge: Thus, charging usually works smoothly. The Berlin Senat Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment provides an overview of Berlin's charging infrastructure in public spaces, including an overview of the current state of expansion. Here you can find an overview of the charging stations in Berlin
CHARGING AT THE WALLBOX
Charging directly at the parking lot is the strength of the "Wallbox" (wall charging station). It is the little sister of the big charging station: A wallbox is installed indoors (garages, parking decks or even carports), it has one or two charging points and usually charges with up to 11 kW per charging point. It provides a simple and powerful charging option at the company site or at home. The mains connection is implemented in an uncomplicated way, usually a three-phase connection is sufficient, is the same as is required for the electric stove at your home.
CHARGING AT THE HOUSEHOLD SOCKET
In principle, electric cars can be charged from a conventional household socket (Schuko = protective contact). The charging process then takes significantly longer. But, charging at an ordinary 230-volt Schuko socket should only be carried out in exceptional cases, since - especially in older buildings - the wiring is not designed for high and long-lasting charging currents. This can lead to overheating of the lines and - in the worst case - to a fire. Therefore, an electrician should always check the electrical system on site.
OVERVIEW OF CHARGING POINTS IN GERMANY
All reported charging points are registered on the official site of the Federal Network Agency. Further data use is not the focus here.
Charging options throughout europe
The GoingElectric blog incudes a regularly updated map with detailed information on modes, costs, and availability of charging points for electric cars. However, this is not an official site, but one maintained by electric car enthusiasts. Such overviews can also be found on other providers such as Chargemap, as well as on the apps of the various charging station operators.
Charging station operators
Various charging stations operators and app providers for finding and billing charging power offer overviews and access on these pages: Allego, Emobility, Vattenfall, Lemnet,Ladenetz, Shellrecharge, Maingau, EnBW. Umfassend und für fast alle Ladesäulen zugänglich ist Plugsurfing.
charging options in Brandenburg
The number of charging points is also increasing in Brandenburg. The country now has around 900 charging points. If you are going on a trip to the region, use the following link to find the right charging option near your destination.
INSTALLATION OF A WALLBOX AND INFORMATION ON ELECTROMOBILITY
The Electromobility Working Group of the Berlin Electrical Guild is available to answer general questions about electromobility. You will find certified craft companies in your area that can assist you with electrical testing as well as the installation of a wallbox. Click here to go to the electrical guild.
Connection to the mains
To connect the charging infrastructure to the power grid, you should contact the local operator of the distribution grid, in Berlin Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, at an early stage. You can find out about connection modalities and explore potential savings on network tariffs here. Your installation or electrical company will be happy to do this for you.
Construction of a charging infrastructure on your land
Would you like to offer your land for the installation of a charging infrastructure?
Then register in the FlächenTOOL for charging infrastructure of the National Infrastructure Control Center as potential properties for the installation of a charging infrastructure. Federal states, municipalities, municipal enterprises, companies or private individuals can offer their properties on the platform. People looking for suitable areas for charging infrastructure can thus obtain an overview of available areas and their features. Alternatively, please feel free to contact our eMO Infrastructure Team. We will be happy to help you find suitable operators.
Hydrogen from the gas station
Vehicles powered by fuel cells refuel with hydrogen. In Berlin and Brandenburg, five hydrogen refueling stations are already available around the clock, with two more in planning. As usual, filling up once takes less than five minutes and is locally pollution- and CO2-free. However, the supply of vehicles in this area is currently very limited. Further information on hydrogen mobility can be found at h2.live.