Buy charging points. Frequently asked questions

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If you are thinking about buying an electric car and acquiring a charging point, you should consider the following issues to make the right decision. Below, we detail the most frequently asked questions we usually receive from users before purchasing a charging point for electric cars.

1.- Charging modes for electric vehicles.

Charging modes relate to the level of communication between the electric vehicle and the charging infrastructure, and the control that can be exercised over the charging process, to schedule it, check the status, stop it, resume it, or feed electricity back to the grid. This is why it is also referred to as the level of communication in addition to the charging mode. You can check this link for the 4 charging modes.

2.- What is a Wall-Box?

This term refers to the physical system that provides electrical current to the plugged-in vehicle via a cable. This device, powered by alternating current – whether in single-phase or three-phase mode – encompasses several components that make the whole an integrated charging system.

The wallbox or “charging point” is installed, as its name suggests, on the wall of the garage where the relevant electrical installation will take place. This device receives energy from the home or garage installation. The Wallbox can incorporate various types of protection, RFID card reader, prepaid payment, and communication connection.

3.- How much does it cost to charge an Electric Car?

There is a more economical period for charging an electric car. Between 01:00 and 07:00, they recommend the PVPC rate (in its Electric Vehicle mode), which, although it does not have a fixed price, is usually the most economical.

In any case, the cost of charging an electric car fundamentally depends on two factors: the rate you have contracted and the capacity of your electric car’s battery.

Generally, each kWh has an average price that ranges between €0.06 (at night) and €0.15 (during the day). Therefore, to calculate how much a full battery charge would cost, you should multiply the price of each kWh by the number of kWh your battery has.

4.- Electric Vehicle Rate (SuperValley)

Users who purchase an electric car can contract a special rate called the Electric Vehicle Rate (2.0 DHS), previously known as Super Valley Rate. What is the price of the kilowatt with this rate? It depends on the time of day when users charge their electric car.

Thus, the cost of charging a car at home according to the contracted rate and the time you charge would be as follows:

-From 13:00 to 23:00. This period is the most expensive, it is the peak period (P1) and comprises a total of 10 hours.

-From 23:00 to 01:00 and from 07:00 to 13:00. This period has an intermediate price, it is the valley period (P2) and comprises a total of 8 hours.

-From 01:00 to 07:00. This is the cheapest period to charge the electric car. It is the supervalley period (P3) and comprises a total of 6 hours.

5.- What is the real range of Electric Cars?

In Europe, the range of electric cars is governed by the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). This system is very favorable for consumption recording, which is why the homologated range data is not the real one. In general, it could be said that the real range of an electric car is about 35% lower than the homologated one.

6.- How long does it take to charge an electric car?

You can check this link to find out approximately the charging time of an electric vehicle.

7.- Can I charge my car in a community garage?

Yes, you can. The companies installing charging points for electric vehicles offer all kinds of solutions for the installation of charging points in community garages.

8.- What REGULATIONS govern the charging of electric vehicles?

The legislation regulating the electric vehicle is very varied and is growing as the market evolves. Legislative measures aim to promote electric vehicles, encouraging different issues of which we inform you here.

9.- How can I tell if a vehicle is electric?

The electric car has a great advantage in that it does not emit polluting gases. Something fantastic for electric vehicle users in Madrid is that they can drive freely through the capital and park regardless of the activated pollution control protocol. The electric car has a great advantage in that it does not emit polluting gases. Something fantastic for electric vehicle users in Madrid is that they can drive freely through the capital and park regardless of the activated pollution control protocol. The DGT identifies “zero local emissions” vehicles with a badge.

10.- Can I install a charging point in my COMMUNITY GARAGE without needing to request permission from my community?

Yes, you can install a charging point with the only condition of notifying your community, without the need to hold any type of meeting or voting. And all thanks to the latest amendment to the Horizontal Property Law. All of this is covered in Law 19/2009, which amends Law 49/1960, of July 21, on Horizontal Property.

11.- Can I install a FAST CHARGING point in my private home?

While there is no regulation prohibiting it, it is highly discouraged mainly due to its cost. Normal charging is designed to be done at night in our garage, using a special supervalley rate at low cost, for 5-8 hours. Fast charging is for emergencies and should not be the usual charging method, as in the medium term it can limit the lifespan of that battery if used frequently.