In its latest study, ADAC, the German association specializing in cars, shows that electric cars lose a significant amount of energy during recharging. An interesting findand these losses sometimes cost the driver dearly without realizing it.
Electric charging, household sockets are indicated
To conduct this study, ADAC tested charging on four different models. The association compared charging from a household outlet (AC) and from a Wallbox wall outlet. The following models are selected: Renault Zoé, Fiat 500e, Volkswagen ID.3 and Tesla Model 3. The results are as follows.
|
Fork performance/loss |
Wall box performance/loss |
Reduced wall box performance/loss |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Renault Zoe |
2.3 kW / 24.2% |
11 kW / 9.7% |
there is no measure |
|
VW ID.3 |
2.3 kW / 13.6% |
11 kW / 9.0% |
5.5 kW / 9.2% |
|
Tesla Model 3 |
2.3 kW / 15.2% |
11 kW / 7.7% |
3.5 kW / 11.4% |
|
Fiat 500e |
2.3 kW / 12.7% |
11 kW / 6.3% |
3.6 kW / 13.9% |
Source: ADAC
According to the data received by ADAC, we note that losses are sometimes significant. Thus, on a classic household outlet, losses during recharging on Renault Zoé are 24%. Note that losses are also significant for Wallboxes, sometimes nearly 10% energy loss during recharging. Losses that have value because it can cost up to 120 euros per year on the example of Renault Zoé.
What can explain these losses?
If household sockets lose so much energy when recharging, it is because of the nature of the current. Indeed, electric car batteries cannot store only direct current. However, the home network only provides alternating current. Thus, the on-board charger must itself convert alternating current to direct current, which explains significant losses.
The study also shows that other losses occur in the vehicle’s electrical system. Not least because of the various control units active during recharging. They consume a lot of energy.
Finally, ADAC indicates that the charging cable is too long or aging or faulty equipment may lead to additional energy losses.
How to avoid these losses?
To avoid these losses, ADAC recommends “always charge on a wall box with maximum charging capacity”. Thus, the battery should always be full as soon as possible, because the higher the capacity, the shorter the charging process.
ADAC also issues three measures that producers should take to limit these losses:
-
Manufacturers must make the load losses that occur transparent so that EV users can act accordingly.
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The efficiency of on-board chargers must be improved. AC charging mirrors most charging processes, so there is great potential for energy savings.
-
The on-board 12 volt system should be turned off to an absolute minimum during a charging session.
Source: ADAC
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.