The number of UK rapid DC and AC electric vehicle chargers now exceeds 250, with a total of 269 charging sockets across 185 locations, according to NextGreenCar.com
Data supplied by Zap-Map.com also shows that ratio of 'slow' (around 3kW), 'fast' (7-22kW) and 'rapid' (40-50kW) chargers in the UK has shifted dramatically over the last few years, changing in line with vehicle innovation and supported by government OLEV incentives.
According to the Zap-Map figures, 2013 saw a surge in installation of DC and AC chargers with each more than doubling since 2012, DC chargers increasing from 85 to 187, and AC increasing from 23 to 82 points.
Rapid DC chargers, which can be used by several EV models including the Nissan LEAF and Peugeot iOn, are rated at 50kW (125A), with most units provide a 'tethered' cable with a JARI DC (CHAdeMO) connector.
Rapid AC chargers, which can be used by the Renault Zoe and some commercial EVs, are rated at 43kW (3-phase, 63A) with all units provide a 'tethered' cable with a Type 2/Mennekes (IEC 62196) vehicle connector.
The opportunity of rapid chargers is the high power rates and short charging times. For both DC and AC types, charging an EV on a rapid charger typically takes approx. 30 minutes for an 80% charge (depending on battery capacity).
International evidence suggests that an effective future charging strategy is for EV owners to use home or workplace chargers for overnight charging, supplemented with rapid chargers for day charging to extend daily driving range when required. Rapid chargers also have the benefit of making the 'refuelling' experience for EVs closer to that for conventional vehicles, so reducing charge times and alleviating 'range anxiety'.
Until recently, rapid chargers were almost exclusively DC and found in a handful of Nissan dealerships, with limited access for Nissan customers. Now Nissan have been working with green electricity provider Ecotricity, to roll out a significant number of AC and DC chargers in strategic nationwide locations which has dramatically boosted the number of this type of charger.
The Ecotricity network has focused on major motorway routes, with MOTO and Roadchef service stations being main target locations. Some motorways, such as the M4 and M5 have rapid chargers at every service station stop. What's more they are all free to use until further notice!
Not content with 'only' 50kW power rates, Tesla have announced a European roll-out of 120kW 'superchargers' for Model S owners, which, provides around 5 miles range per minute. By the end of 2014, the company aim to build a supercharger network such that 90% of the EU population living within around a 200 mile distance of a charging station (approximately the range of the Model S).
Read more at http://www.nextgreencar.com/news/6487/ZapMap-UK-rapid-chargers-pass-250-mark#yLgPU1JCbs4jT68y.99 - See more at: http://www.nextgreencar.com/news/6487/ZapMap-UK-rapid-chargers-pass-250-mark#sthash.FaTFxUMu.dpuf
