Electric vehicle batteries consist of multiple modules with numerous lithium-ion battery cells. The more modules a battery system contains, the greater the capacity and range of the car. Each cell in turn consists of an anode, a cathode, a separator and an electrolyte. When the battery is charging, the lithium ions flow from the cathode to the anode, converting electrical into chemical energy. The exact opposite happens during discharging.

The difference lies in the type of current: AC stands for alternating current, which the electric vehicle gets from household sockets or via a Type 2 connector. The charging capacity is typically limited to 22 kW with AC, which leads to longer, but battery-saving charging times. DC stands for direct current. A CCS connector is needed in this case, which is fitted as standard in all current purely electric vehicles and can transmit high power outputs of up to 350 kW. DC charging therefore also stands for fast or rapid charging.

Basically any common household socket can be used, though it is more convenient and faster to use wall boxes, which allow charging capacities of up to 11 kW depending on the design. Moreover, more and more companies are offering their employees the possibility of charging their vehicle at work. If the vehicle needs to be recharged when on the road, this can be done at any of around 40,000 public charging stations in Germany. Fast charging hubs are also popping up in increasing numbers along the motorways and at gas stations, where drivers can ready their electric vehicles for the next stage of the journey within a short space of time.

It’s really simple – and even similar to filling up at the pumps: drive the vehicle to the charging station, open the flap on the car covering the connector, take the cable from the charging post and plug it in (charging stations generally have permanently installed cables, unlike wall boxes). Authentication is then performed on the display of the charging station or via the app of the respective operator or service partner – and the charging process can begin.

That depends on the charging capacity of the respective charging station and the current charge level of the battery. A charging rate of up to 2.3 kW is possible with a household socket – a wall box is faster, supplying up to 11 kW depending on the design. Both variants are ideal for charging the vehicle during longer standing phases, for example, overnight or when at work. The quickest option is to use high-power charging stations, known as fast-chargers. They offer charging capacities in excess of 350 kW and allow an electric vehicle to charge in around 15 to 25 minutes.

There are numerous providers and operators of publicly accessible charging stations – public utilities, energy companies, car parks, hotels, dealerships. The price range is just as varied. Some charge by the minute, while others charge by the quantity or apply a flat rate following charging. To this extent, prices fluctuate enormously. Payment is made locally, typically via apps, charge cards, PayPal, occasionally also with EC or credit cards. It should be checked whether basic charges apply. For those who travel frequently or make longer journeys, then services such as We Charge from Volkswagen or the Audi e-tron Charging Service are recommended. They allow electric vehicle drivers to charge and pay using an app or a card at up to 210,000 charging stations throughout Europe – regardless of the respective provider. Payment should get even easier in the future – with automatic information flow via connectors and direct billing from the vehicle.

There is no general answer to this question – it depends on a number of factors such as personal driving profile, current weather conditions and the use of additional electrical equipment such as heating or air conditioning. The battery capacity provides a good reference value. Essentially, the larger the capacity, the greater the potential range. An electric vehicle with a net battery energy content of 45 kWh, for example the ID.3 Pure Performance¹ (power consumption (NEDC) in kWh/100 km combined: 13.1; CO2 emission in g/km: 0; efficiency class: A+) can travel between 250 and 350 kilometres – this increases to between 390 and 550 kilometres with a 77-kWh net battery capacity, for example the ID.3 Pro S¹ power consumption (NEDC) in kWh/100 km combined: 14.1-13.5; CO2 emission in g/km: 0; efficiency class: A+)

Since both the battery and the insulated charging cable are fitted with safety switches, charging is also safe in rain – particularly as the charging process only starts when both connectors are safely plugged into the car and charging station. Many charging stations also have surge protection in the event of lightning strikes.

No, numerous safeguards on the battery system prevent electric shocks. Even if the cable comes loose during charging, there is no danger, since the plus and minus poles cannot be touched simultaneously – the connectors are also specially designed to prevent fingers touching the contacts. The only danger arises if the cable is disconnected or severed during the charging process.

Basically the same safety measures and cordons apply as for accidents with other vehicles. Fires can also be extinguished using water – there is no danger of electric shocks from the extinguishing agent spraying the battery system. For fire safety reasons, however, accident-damaged electric vehicles must be parked in cordoned-off free spaces. The battery systems should not be exposed to the weather in the process.