How do electric charging points work in Energy Communities?

Implementing Electric Vehicle Charging points in Energy Communities is an efficient way to reduce energy consumption and get closer to the community’s main goal: transitioning to a 100% renewable energy model. Integrating electric charging points is an essential step during this transition to make EV charging more accessible. Building the charging infrastructure is a complex process, this article will help you understand how the charging points work and how to install them.

PdR = Point de Recharge

Electric charging points are designed to recharge EV batteries, they do this through a communication channel between the charging point and the vehicle's charge manager, which monitors the battery's status and determines the optimal power needed. The aim is to maximize the battery power and minimize the damage.

Connectors: The bridge between the vehicle and the cable

There are four different types of connectors: Type 1 (mainly used in the US), Type 2 (mainly used in the EU), Combo (CCS, used for V2X charging), and CHADeMO (used for V2X charging).

Options for Charging Modes

Three different charging modes can be used within the Energy Community, the charging power will depend on several factors:

• Mode 1: Up to 3.5 kW, used for low-power devices like bicycles or scooters. Not recommended for larger EVs.
• Mode 2: Also up to 3.5 kW, includes safety protections. Suitable for home use, and offers slower charging.
• Mode 3: Up to 22 kW three-phase, requires a dedicated PdR with advanced control and safety features. Preferred for faster and more secure charging.

Charging Time and Other Factors

The minimum charging power is determined by the vehicle manufacturer, and this will affect the minimum battery charging intensity. The time of recharging the battery depends on several factors, including the temperature, the current battery status, and the battery charging system's performance. The ideal temperature is around 20 ºC, extremely high or low temperature will affect both the charging speed and the efficiency. To maximize the results the battery status should be between 20% and 80%, below 20% or above 80% the charging will be significantly slower, to protect the battery from damage.

Installing a Charging Point Step by Step

1. Choose the type of recharge: you can choose from high-power wall-mounted systems or simpler low-power points.
2. Choose the Installation Company: This step is required if you chose charging Mode 3.
3. Explore available electric power: ensure you have the required power for the charging.
4. Choose the installation scheme: based on the information provided by the Installation Company, you have to choose the best installation scheme for implementation.
5. Inform the community: be aware of the legal requirements and inform the people affected in the neighborhood or parking space.

For a smooth installation, it’s essential to understand the local regulations, there is a new rule that will affect the process. The Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) is a key legalization that includes requirements for the installation.

How does this affect the Energy Community?

To maximize results the key is flexibility, including controlling the use of self-produced and renewable energy sources, limiting contracted power, and using the charging points during less demanding hours (during the night). Off-peak hours provide better electricity rates when less energy is used from the grid. These practices must align with the vehicle’s usage needs, and they require a management system that prioritizes charging based on the vehicle’s intended use and required energy. Effective management of energy consumption, generation, and storage is essential to maximize the results within the Energy Community.