Basic Differences You Need to Know
Switching from a diesel or petrol car to an electric vehicle (BEV) requires understanding a few new concepts. While with an internal combustion engine (ICE) car you pump liters of fuel per minute, with an electric vehicle you top up kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, and charging time depends on the charger type and the vehicle's onboard charger architecture.
The golden rule for a successful EV experience is a shift in habit: you don't wait for the battery to be empty to charge. You charge it when it is parked while you do something else – at work, shopping, or ideally at home in your garage overnight.
Battery Capacity and Range (WLTP vs. Real World)
Battery capacity is measured in kWh and is divided into total (gross) and usable (net) capacity. Always look at the usable capacity to estimate range. WLTP is the European standard for measuring energy consumption and range, which is measured in laboratory conditions at a temperature of 23°C.
In real-world conditions, range is influenced by speed (aerodynamic drag increases exponentially) and temperature. While you might even exceed the rated WLTP range in urban traffic during summer, on a highway in winter with sub-zero temperatures, expect the real-world range to drop by 25% to 35%.
AC vs. DC Charging: Speed and Connectors
AC (Alternating Current): Used for home wallboxes or slow public chargers. Charging power is typically 11 kW (three-phase). Fully charging a medium-sized battery (approx. 77 kWh) takes about 7 to 8 hours. It is the gentlest and most cost-effective way to charge.
DC (Direct Current): Fast charging on the go. Charging power starts at 50 kW and reaches up to 350 kW on ultra-fast chargers. The CCS2 connector is the European standard. DC charging speed is not constant – it is fastest between 10% and 80% battery capacity. Above 80%, the speed drops sharply to protect the cells.