A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Cars and Charging

Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a transformative shift in transportation, heralding a greener and more efficient future.

This article provides a deep dive into the electric vehicle revolution, focusing on charging processes, their impact on the power grid, and innovative solutions to power EVs sustainably.

1. The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Global and Greek Perspectives

The global electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by advancements in technology, government incentives, and increasing environmental awareness.

In the first half of 2024, over 7 million electric car sales were recorded worldwide, an increase of close to 25% compared to the first half of the previous year.

Major markets like China, Europe, and the United States are leading this revolution, with China accounting for nearly two-thirds of global EV sales.

Greece is also embracing the EV revolution.

According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, the adoption of electric vehicles has steadily increased, supported by government incentives such as subsidies and tax benefits (“Kinoumai Electrica”).

In 2023, EV registrations in Greece rose by approximately 40%, fueled by an expanding charging infrastructure and growing consumer awareness.

According to the president of ΗΑΕΕ (Hellenic Association for Energy Economics), Spyros Papaefthymiou, over time, the gap in pricing between electric and conventional vehicles is narrowing, and more affordable options are expected, though the upfront cost will remain relatively high.

Subsidies and other incentives, both financial and non-financial, will be key factors in this shift.

Simultaneously, the reduction in the battery price over the years will lead to a higher fall in the price the EVs, being a more tempting solution to the consumer.

Around 30 countries have set targets for a certain market portion for EVs or timetables for the phasing out of vehicles with conventional engines.

In the reference scenario analysed in the World Energy Outlook 2024, electric car sales reach 40 million worldwide by 2030, with the share of electric cars ranging from below 40% to 50% by 2035 (Figure 1).

Today, the world electricity demand from EVs is around 115 terawatt-hours and it is expected to reach about 1,000 terawatt-hours by 2030.

At the same time, oil demand is expected to fall by almost 10 billion barrels from 2020 to 2030, leading to a total reduction of over 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The raising demand for EVs will gradually result in an increase in the amount of charging stations, especially on highways, and the upgrade of the existing ones to allow for faster charging.

In fact, Europe aims to increase the density of charging infrastructure, with the European AFIR Directive, which sets a maximum distance of 60 km for chargers on highways.

2. Proper Charging of Electric Vehicles: A Step-by-Step Guide

To maximize battery life and ensure safe operation, proper charging practices are essential:

• Choose the right charger: Use a charger compatible with your EV model (AC charging or DC fast charging).
• Inspect equipment: Regularly check the charging cable and port for damage.
• Follow charging guidelines: Keeping the battery at 20%-80% of its capacity helps to prolong its health.
• Charging schedule: Prefer charging during nighttime hours, which usually offer lower electricity prices.
• Charging in extreme weather: In cold climates, preheat the battery before charging, while in hot climates, charge in shaded areas to avoid overheating.

3. How Much Power Does Electric Vehicle Charging Consume?

The energy consumed during EV charging depends on the battery size, the state of charge, and the type of charger used.

On average, the following numbers are statistically observed:

• Daily charging needs: For a typical commute of 40-50 km, an EV consumes around 10–15 kWh per day.
• Full battery charge: Charging a 50 kWh battery (e.g., for a compact EV) from 0% to 100% requires approximately 50 kWh.
• Annual consumption: EV owners consume an estimated 2,000–3,500 kWh annually, which is comparable to a household’s electricity usage.

An indicative table is given below:

4. How Does Electric Vehicle Charging Cost?

The cost of EVs charging depends on the provider.

Although charging at home is a slow process, the governmental effort toreduce the cost of household electricity is definitely a benefit for the user.

Regarding public charging, the recent reduction of VAT from 24% to 6% was a very positive step, which has reduced the charging prices of all providers.

As there is still little growth in public charging and corresponding usage, the prices are still high compared to those abroad.

According to Spyros Papaefthymiou, in theory, a driver covering an average of 15,000 kilometers annually would spend €1,578 on fuel.

In contrast, an electric vehicle with an average factory consumption of 17.6 kWh per 100 km would cost approximately €528 for the same distance, assuming electricity costs €0.20 per kilowatt-hour (home charging).

With an annual savings of €1,050, the additional €6,500 cost of the electric car would be offset in roughly seven years.

5. Charging Electric Cars with Solar Panels

Using solar panels to charge EVs is a sustainable and cost-effective solution, which the following characteristics:

• Energy independence: By generating power on-site, solar panels reduce dependency on the grid.
• System requirements: Charging a standard EV requires a solar array of approximately 5–10 kW, depending on daily driving distance. A 6 kW system can meet the needs of an average user travelling 15,000 km per year.
• Battery integration: Combining solar panels with home energy storage (like Tesla Powerwall) can store excess solar power for night-time EV charging.
• Environmental benefits: Solar charging eliminates emissions, further enhancing the eco-friendly credentials of electric cars.

6. How Electric Vehicle Charging Works

EV charging involves transferring electrical energy from a power source to the car’s battery via a charging station. The process typically includes:

• AC charging: Converts alternating current (AC) from the grid into direct current (DC) using the vehicle’s onboard charger.
• DC fast charging: Supplies DC power directly to the battery, bypassing the onboard charger. This method significantly reduces charging time.

The time required for a full charge depends on the charger type:

• AC charger (240V): 5–20 hours for a full charge.
• DC fast and ultra-fast charger: 20–60 minutes for a full charge.

7. How Do Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Work?

EV charging stations are designed to deliver electricity efficiently and safely. Their key components include:

• Power Source: Draws energy from the grid or renewable sources like solar or wind.
• Charger Types:
  • AC chargers: Typically used at home or workplaces, offering moderate charging speeds.
  • DC fast chargers: Found at public stations, ideal for quick top-ups.
• Communication Systems: Modern chargers use software to monitor battery status, billing, and charger availability via mobile apps or vehicle dashboards.

8. How Are Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Powered?

EV charging stations derive power from various sources:

• Grid electricity: The most common source is grid power which relies on a mix of fossil fuels and renewables.
• Renewable energy: Many stations integrate solar panels or wind turbines to offer green energy.
• Battery storage: Some charging stations use energy storage systems to balance power supply during peak hours.

Innovative solutions, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allow EVs to act as mobile energy storage units, supplying power back to the grid when needed.

9. Impact on the Power Grid

The rising adoption of EVs presents challenges for the power grid, such as:

• Increased demand: A significant influx of EVs can strain local grids, particularly during peak charging times.
• Load balancing: High demand in the future may lead to blackouts if not managed effectively.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: To accommodate EVs, utilities must invest in transformer upgrades and smart grid technologies.

Based on the above, concerns are being raised about whether the existing power grids can support widespread electrification.

Konstantinos Psomopoulos, a professor at the University of West Attica’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, highlights that despite the massive push to promote electric vehicles, Greece—and other countries—are falling behind when it comes to the necessary infrastructure and network development.

10. Battery level and Fire Risks in Ships

Batteries raise concerns about safety, particularly the risk of fires in ship parking areas.

These worries were recently amplified by a circular from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, outlining rules for boarding electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on passenger ferries.

It specifies that vehicle batteries must not be charged beyond 40%, as fully charged batteries have a different thermal profile that, combined with high temperatures in storage areas, could lead to ignition.

Evangelos Bekiaris, director of the Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT), emphasizes that EVs are no more likely to catch fire than other vehicles.

However, the issue is that once a fire starts, it is extremely difficult to extinguish.

An international solution is needed—banning these vehicles from travel is not the answer.

Konstantinos Psomopoulos notes that ships are already equipped to handle other fuels and flammable materials.

However, current fire-fighting systems may be inadequate for dealing with battery-related incidents, suggesting that modifications may be necessary to enhance their capabilities.

11. Solutions and Best Practices

To mitigate the challenges posed by EVs, several solutions and best practices are emerging:

• Smart Charging: Using software to schedule charging during off-peak hours, the strain on the grid can be reduced and the costs will be lowered.
• Renewable Integration: Expanding the use of solar and wind energy to power charging stations ensures sustainable operation.
• Public and Private Investments: Governments and companies should prioritize building high-capacity chargers, upgrading grid infrastructure, and offering subsidies to encourage EV adoption.
• Policy making: The necessary policies should be developed to tackle any kind of safety and legal issues that arise from EVs usage.

Conclusion

The electric vehicle revolution is not just reshaping the auto industry but also influencing energy systems and environmental practices.

By understanding how EV charging works and addressing its challenges, individuals and businesses can contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Whether you’re an EV owner or just exploring the technology, the road ahead is electric—and it’s brighter than ever.