All Stainless Steel Diaphragm Pressure Gauge ZHOUSHAN JIAERLING METER CO.,LTD , https://www.zsjrlmeter.com
Charging pile survey for four European countries
The path to the new energy era is gradually approaching, and we believe that the true era of electric vehicles is just around the corner. But then, how will we charge them? Where can we find charging stations? The following series explores how four European countries are addressing this issue.
1. How to Find a Charging Station in Europe / How to Charge
Just a short while ago, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that the schedule for phasing out fuel vehicles is under study, and the pace toward the pure electric era is getting closer. Although the development of electric vehicles is still at an early stage, there are still various inconveniences. However, many people have already started choosing this more environmentally friendly way of travel. Fuel vehicles need refueling, while electric vehicles require recharging. Using electric cars means being able to access charging stations. During the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, we surveyed public charging stations in four cities across four European countries (Frankfurt, Belgium, Brussels, France, Lille, Luxembourg). If you plan to drive an electric car in these cities, how do you charge it? What’s the difference between foreign and domestic charging stations? Can we successfully complete the charging task? Let’s take a closer look.
We used a 2015 Tesla Model S 85D for our investigation. It has a range of 528 km (NEDC) or about 300 km in actual driving. We focused on finding charging stations within 1-2 km of hotels, as no one wants to park far away and carry luggage to their hotel. Our survey included checking charging stations in central city areas to ensure convenience.
Renting a pure electric car in Europe (Germany) proved challenging. We initially aimed for the new e-Golf from Volkswagen, but found it difficult to rent through major international rental websites like Herz, AVIS, SIXT, or Europcar. Local websites such as Strominator offered limited availability, and the new e-Golf was not easily accessible. Eventually, we opted for the Tesla Model S 85D from ecar-rent, which provided a good balance of range, charging options, and cost-effectiveness.
To locate charging stations, we used the ChargeMap app, which covers over 46,920 stations and 150,358 charging points. This app allowed us to quickly find nearby stations, check distances, and view details about the number and type of ports. Additionally, some manufacturers, like Volkswagen, offer apps such as Charge&Fuel, which also helps with locating charging facilities.
In most cases, charging in Europe requires swiping a card. NewMoTIon, a Dutch company, offers a widely accepted RF card, making it easy to use most charging stations. Applying for the card is free online, and payments are directly deducted from your linked bank account.
Europe uses several types of charging ports, including the European standard Plug Type 2, CHAdeMO (used by Japanese brands), Combo CCS (used by German and American brands), and the European two-phase plug.
2. Survey of Public Charging Stations in Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to the Grand Place, a central hub for tourists and businesses. Our hotel was near the Grand Place, and we checked five charging stations within a 1 km radius.
Survey Results: 3 out of 5 stations were successful.
Key Points: Easy to find ideal charging stations; some require special cards; some are closed.
At Parking Ecuyer d’Interparking, we had two Plug Type 2 ports and successfully charged using our NewMotion card, although parking fees applied. At Interparking-De Brouckère, we found one Plug Type 2 port and had similar experiences. However, at Total Pacheco, we encountered issues due to the lack of a compatible adapter. At Engie Tower, we needed a different card, and at Total Port de Bruxelles, we had mixed results.
Overall, Brussels has a good density of charging stations, and the costs are relatively low.
3. Survey of Public Charging Stations in Lille, France
Lille, a major city in northern France, has several hotels near the train station. We surveyed six nearby charging stations, including one more than 1 km away.
Survey Results: 3 out of 6 stations were successful.
Key Points: Easy to find ideal charging stations; some are not open during business hours; the most powerful public charging station.
At Parking Gare Lille Europe, we found a closed station, but at Parking Euralille, we had excellent service with multiple ports. At Gare Flandres-Parking EFFIA, we faced high parking fees. At Corri Door, we had access to all four types of charging ports, though charging was paid.
Lille’s charging infrastructure is adequate, and the environment is favorable for travelers.
4. Survey of Public Charging Stations in Luxembourg
Luxembourg, known for its high per capita GDP, has a growing number of electric taxis and buses. We surveyed charging stations within 1.5 km of the Adolphe Bridge.
Survey Results: 2 out of 5 stations were successful.
Key Points: Harder to find ideal charging stations; local RF cards are required.
At Hotel Piemont, we found a free station with a Plug Type 2 port. At P&R Bouillon, we needed a specific RF card, which we didn’t have. At other locations, we faced closures or difficulties accessing the stations.
Luxembourg has a good density of charging stations, but access often requires local cards.
5. Survey of Public Charging Stations in Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt, a major financial and transportation hub, has several concentrated areas for charging stations. We focused on the downtown business district.
Survey Results: 3 out of 5 stations were successful.
Key Points: Easy to find ideal charging stations; some require special cards; high charging costs.
At 10 Große Eschenheimer Str., we found a Plug Type 2 port, but the power was lower than expected. At Goetheplatz, we had a mix of ports and a convenient payment method. At 15 Roßmarkt, we used a QR code to pay and charge successfully. However, at Bleidenstrasse and Bethmannstrasse, we faced challenges with occupied spots and payment issues.
Frankfurt has a good number of charging stations, but the costs are higher compared to other cities.
6. Survey of Public Charging Stations at Nurburgring Circuit in Germany
The Nurburgring, a famous track, has two charging stations for electric vehicles. One is located outside the track, and the other is inside a hotel's underground garage.
Survey Results: 2 out of 2 stations were successful.
Key Points: Easy to find charging stations; low charging power.
At Eifel-Ardennen-Str. Nürburg, we used PayPal to pay and charged successfully. At Lindner Congress & Motorsport Hotel, we had to ask the front desk for assistance, but it worked well.
While the Nurburgring is a car enthusiast's paradise, the charging stations are limited in power and availability.
Comparing Domestic and Foreign Charging Stations
China has a large number of public charging stations, with advanced mobile payment options. In contrast, European stations are more unified, with fewer but more standardized options. While China leads in numbers, Europe excels in compatibility and reliability. Additionally, European stations rarely have their spaces occupied by non-electric vehicles, a practice worth learning from.
Overall, both regions have their strengths, and each offers valuable insights into the future of electric vehicle charging.