Charging speed and time are critical concerns for electric vehicle (EV) owners. As the EV market expands, the diversity and standardization of charging technologies have become essential. The CCS1 (Combined Charging System 1) is a widely adopted charging standard in the North American market. CCS1 Charger efficiency and versatility make it a favorite among many EV owners.
Overview of the CCS1 Charging System
The CCS1, or Combined Charging System 1, is a commonly used EV charging standard in North America. It integrates the SAE J1772 (Type 1) connector for AC charging and adds two additional pins for highpower DC fast charging.
1. Charging Modes
AC Charging via Type 1 Connector: Provides singlephase AC charging, suitable for slow charging at home or some public charging stations.
DC Fast Charging via CCS1 Connectors: Uses two additional pins to deliver highpower DC charging, allowing quick charging at fastcharging stations.
2. Power Support
AC Charging: Typically ranges from 3.3 kW to 7.4 kW, ideal for overnight or longduration parking.
DC Fast Charging: Supports up to 350 kW, enabling rapid power replenishment for long trips or urgent charging needs.
Charging Time with a CCS1 Charger
The duration to fully charge an EV using a CCS1 charger depends on several factors, including charging power, battery capacity, current charge level, and charging conditions.
1. AC Charging Time:
AC charging is often used at home or lowpower public stations. It’s slower and best suited for charging during long periods, such as overnight.
3.3 kW AC Charging: For instance, a Nissan Leaf with a 24 kWh battery would take approximately 7 to 8 hours to charge from 0% to 100%.
7.4 kW AC Charging: A Chevrolet Bolt EV with a 66 kWh battery would take about 8 to 10 hours to charge from 0% to 100%.
The main advantage of AC charging is its low cost and ease of installation, making it ideal for home or workplace use to meet daily charging needs.
2.DC Fast Charging Time:
DC fast charging is one of CCS1’s core benefits. It significantly boosts battery charge in a short time, suitable for longdistance travel or quick power topups.
50 kW DC Fast Charging: For example, a BMW i3 with a 42 kWh battery would take around 30 to 40 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.
150 kW DC Fast Charging: A Tesla Model 3 (using a CCS1 adapter) with a 75 kWh battery would take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.
350 kW DC Fast Charging: A Porsche Taycan with a 93 kWh battery would take about 15 to 20 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.
DC fast charging’s primary advantage is its rapid charging speed, making it ideal for highway stops or long trips to minimize waiting time.
3.Other Factors Affecting Charging Time:
Besides power and battery capacity, other factors influence charging duration:
Battery State: Charging speed often slows down when the battery is at a low (below 20%) or high (above 80%) level to protect the battery and extend its lifespan.
Temperature: Battery temperature variations can affect charging speed. Extremely high or low temperatures can reduce charging power. Some highend EVs, like Teslas, have battery temperature control systems to optimize charging speed.
Charging Station Power: Different charging stations support different maximum powers, so actual charging time will vary based on the station’s capability.
Vehicle Acceptance Rate: Different vehicles have different maximum charging rates. Even if the charging station supports high power, the vehicle’s internal battery management system may limit the actual charging power.
Tips to Optimize CCS1 Charging Time
1.Choose the Right Charging Station:
For longdistance travel, select stations that support highpower DC fast charging (e.g., 150 kW or 350 kW) to significantly reduce charging time.
For daily use, use AC chargers during night or work hours for slow charging, avoiding peak hours at public stations.
2. Monitor Battery State:
Avoid fast charging at extremely low or high battery levels to minimize charging time and extend battery life.
In extreme temperatures, consider preheating or cooling the battery before charging to optimize efficiency.
3.Use Smart Charging Features:
Use the vehicle or charger’s scheduling features to charge during offpeak hours when electricity rates are lower.
Monitor charging status and progress through the vehicle’s mobile app to manage charging time and location effectively.
4.Maintain Charging Equipment:
Keep the charging port and cables clean to ensure good electrical contact and avoid reduced charging speed due to poor connections.
Regularly check the condition and functionality of charging equipment to ensure it operates optimally.
5.Plan Your Charging Strategy:
Combine the advantages of AC slow charging and DC fast charging based on actual needs. For example, use DC fast charging for long trips and AC charging for daily use.
At busy charging stations, consider booking charging slots in advance to avoid waiting and save time.
The charging time of a CCS1 charger varies depending on the charging mode, power, vehicle battery capacity, and usage conditions. AC charging is suitable for daily use, providing steady charging speeds, while DC fast charging can significantly boost power in a short time, ideal for long trips and urgent charging needs.
