First observation: recharging at home with a classic socket is the least effective method. The alternating current (AC) of the network must be converted into direct current (DC) by the on -board charger of the vehicle, which causes significant losses. In addition, the electronic equipment of the car remains active throughout recharge, which consumes even more.
Recharge at home: a more economical option, but with losses
The ADAC has tested four vehicles – Fiat 500E, Renault Zoe, Tesla Model 3 and VW ID.3 – In three configurations: wall outlet, Wallbox 11 kW, and Wallbox with reduced power. Result: losses vary from 6 % to 24 % depending on the configuration.
For example, the Renault Zoe loses 24.2 % of energy by recharging on a classic socket, but only 9.7 % via a wallbox. The Fiat 500E is doing the best with only 6.3 % of Wallbox losses. In summary, the faster the recharge, the less losses, provided you have an adapted installation.
Second component of the study: DC recharge (DC) on fast terminal, often used during long journeys. Here, the losses do not come from the conversion of the current, since it is supported by the terminal. But the high powers generate heat, and the battery must be cooled (or sometimes warmed). This thermal management consumes part of the energy provided … which will not go in the battery.
In cold weather, up to 10 % of the energy can be lost just by heating the battery. A car like the Tesla Model thus loses 10 % without preheating, against only 3 % if the battery was prepared in advance.
In the end, losses during a DC recharge vary between 5 % and 15 %, depending on the temperature and the model. And despite its speed, rapid recharging is generally more expensive to kWh, which limits economic interest, especially if it is accompanied by high losses.
For users, the best strategy is to recharge at home via a properly installed wallbox, favoring the maximum authorized power. This makes it possible to limit the duration of the recharge, and therefore to reduce losses linked to on -board electronic devices.
The ADAC study also recommends that manufacturers improve the yield of on -board chargers and reduce consumption of electronic systems during load. Another suggestion: more transparency on energy losses, often invisible to the end user.
At a time when each kilowatt hour counts, these energy losses can represent up to a hundred euros per year for a regular driver. A good reason to check how, and especially where, you connect your electric car.
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