In the UK, commercial electric vehicle (EV) chargers come in various types to accommodate different charging needs for commercial vehicles like vans, buses, and trucks. Here’s a list of the common types of commercial vehicle chargers available:
1. Slow Chargers (AC)
- Power Rating: 3-7 kW
- Connector Types: Type 1, Type 2
- Use Case: Ideal for overnight or extended charging at depots or parking facilities. These are less common for commercial vehicles due to their slow speed but are sometimes used for smaller commercial fleets or vehicles with longer charging downtime.
2. Fast Chargers (AC)
- Power Rating: 7-22 kW
- Connector Types: Type 2
- Use Case: Used for smaller commercial vehicles, such as vans, or for businesses where vehicles can be parked for a few hours. This type of charger is commonly installed at commercial premises, workplaces, or public car parks.
3. Rapid DC Chargers
- Power Rating: 50 kW
- Connector Types: CCS, CHAdeMO
- Use Case: Suitable for commercial vehicles needing faster charging while on routes, such as delivery vans or utility vehicles. Rapid chargers can provide significant charge in a short amount of time, making them useful for vehicles with limited charging windows.
4. Ultra-Rapid DC Chargers
- Power Rating: 100-350 kW
- Connector Types: CCS, CHAdeMO
- Use Case: Used for larger commercial vehicles, like electric trucks and buses, or any vehicle requiring a fast turnaround. These are increasingly being installed at motorway service stations and major commercial hubs where speed is critical.
5. High-Power Chargers (HPC)
- Power Rating: 350 kW and above
- Connector Types: CCS
- Use Case: Specifically designed for heavy-duty commercial vehicles such as buses, lorries, and long-distance electric freight trucks. These chargers are being rolled out at dedicated commercial charging depots and along major transport corridors.
6. Depot Chargers
- Power Rating: Varies (typically from 50 kW up to 1 MW)
- Connector Types: CCS, Pantograph (for buses)
- Use Case: Chargers installed at bus depots, freight terminals, or fleet management locations for overnight charging or during idle periods. Pantograph chargers are used for buses to allow fast, overhead charging.
7. Wireless Chargers
- Power Rating: 3-22 kW (currently available models)
- Use Case: Though not yet widespread, wireless (inductive) charging is being developed for commercial vehicles, allowing easy, automatic charging without needing to plug in. This technology is in trials for taxis, buses, and fleet vehicles.
Connector Types Used in Commercial Charging:
- Type 1: A single-phase AC connector, primarily found in older EVs but less common for commercial use.
- Type 2: The standard AC connector in Europe, commonly used for fast chargers.
- CCS (Combined Charging System): A universal standard for rapid and ultra-rapid DC charging, used by most commercial vehicles in the UK.
- CHAdeMO: A DC fast charging standard, often found in older models and some commercial vehicles, though being phased out in favor of CCS.
- Pantograph: Used mainly by buses for overhead rapid charging at bus stops or depots.
These charger types help meet the diverse charging needs of commercial fleets, from light-duty vans to heavy-duty trucks and buses, enabling the transition to electric mobility in the commercial sector.