How to charge at a public accelerated charging station
A public accelerated charging station allows you to charge an electric car during a parking period of several hours.
These charging stations can notably be found:
- In city centres
- In public car parks
- In shopping centres
- Near hotels
- In some company car parks
- Near restaurants and public facilities
They are particularly suitable for charging while parked: your car charges while you work, shop, have lunch or visit a place.
What is the power of an accelerated charging station?
Accelerated charging stations generally deliver power between 7 and 22 kW using alternating current (AC).
However, the power actually received depends on the onboard charger in your car.
For example:
- A car limited to 7.4 kW will not charge at 22 kW
- Some single-phase vehicles may be limited when using a three-phase charging station
The power displayed on the charging station therefore corresponds to its maximum capacity, and not necessarily to the power received by your vehicle.
Which cable should you use?
On most public accelerated charging stations, the cable is not attached. You must use your own Type 2 to Type 2 cable.
It is advisable to keep this cable in your boot so that you can use public charging stations during your journeys.
Some charging stations have an attached cable. However, this configuration remains more common on rapid charging stations.
If you do not have a Type 2 to Type 2 cable, you can purchase this model:
Type 2 to Type 2 cable compatible with up to 22 kW
How to find an accelerated charging station
You can locate an accelerated charging station using the Electus app:
You will be able to view the following information about the charging stations:
- Their power
- The number of connectors
- Their availability
- Their price
- Any access restrictions
- The available photos and information
How to start charging
To start a charging session at an accelerated charging station, order your Electus badge in advance
- When you arrive at the charging station, take your Electus badge and present it to the charging station reader.
- The charging station may first ask you to select the connector you want to use.
- Connect the cable to the charging station and then to your car.
If the charging station has a cover, close it so that the charging session can begin.
How to stop charging
To stop charging, take your Electus badge and present it to the charging station reader.
If the charging station has a cover, it should unlock automatically.
Disconnect the cable from the charging station side first, then disconnect it from the car. Put your cable away and close the charging station cover.
How much does charging cost?
The cost of charging may vary from one charging station to another. The prices to take into account are those shown in the Electus app.
Accelerated charging stations frequently apply prices that include an additional fee if the vehicle remains connected without charging, or after a certain connection time.
Be careful to avoid unexpected charges, as the Electus app includes a cost calculator to estimate your charging fees.