Direct Current (DC) Quick Charging Points are available under the match-funded Plugged-in Midlands scheme*. They offer a convenient and rapid means of charging an Electric Vehicle battery from flat to 80% in up to 30 minutes. The units are generally larger than a typical single phase fast charging point (7 kW; as seen in the Buy for Good catalogue here) and are akin to a forecourt petrol pump in appearance. Suitable locations include motorway services and private or public car parks.
DC Quick Charging Points typically consist of heavy duty power electronics enclosed in a weatherproof housing with a JARI/JEVS G105 tethered lead and plug (CHAdeMO Association compliant). This connection is compatible with several vehicles including the Citroen C-Zero, Mitsubishi i-Miev, Nissan Leaf and Peugeot iON (more vehicles will be available that are compatible with DC Quick Charging later this year). Charging utilising this equipment is safe. The equipment will communicate with the vehicle onboard systems to establish whether it is safe to charge before any power is transfered. The connector itself is physically locked into the vehicle socket whilst charging is in progress.
DC Quick Charging Points generally provide between 50-70kW of power output at up to 550 Volts and 125 Amps. This means that a suitable three phase electricity supply must be present in order to connect the charging point to the grid network. Please consult your equipment supplier, electrician or District Network Operator (DNO).
Please also note that most Quick Charging Points that incorporate the power electronics and dispenser (containing the tethered vehicle connector) in one unit are above 1.6m in height and will need planning permission. Please consult your local council planning office and the Statutory Instrument No. 2056 here. Quick Charging Points are available with separate dispensers and power units enabling the power unit to be housed in a nearby building. If the dispenser unit is below 1.6m in height and the power unit is housed indoors this type of charging point may not need planning permission.
For more information on DC Quick Charging Points you can view the list of Plugged-in Midlands compliant equipment here. Alternatively, please register your interest here.
For a quick info video of how to use a quick charger please see the clip below
* Providing the equipment meets Plugged-in Midlands requirements and is competitively procured.
If you are looking for information on mobile charging units please register your interest here (battery-based mobile charging units are available and suitable for commercial vehicles. Suitable applications to carry this type of charging unit include roadside assistance vehicles.