Frequently asked questions

• Do I need my own charging station for my electric car?

  When you buy an electric car, you receive a standard charging cable that you can use with a regular household outlet. However, charging with this cable is slow, and may not be sufficient for your daily needs. For example, charging with a standard cable can take 12 hours or more. With a charging station, you can charge the vehicle much faster, in about 3-6 hours, depending on the model of the car and the battery capacity.

• How powerful does the charging station need to be?

  Standard charging stations usually offer a power range from 3.7 kW to 22 kW. The power of the charging station you need depends on several factors, especially considering the existing electrical conditions at the location. If you have a single-phase connection with a 32A fuse, the best choice is a 7.4 kW charger, which will charge a 60 kWh battery in about 8 hours. For owners with a three-phase connection and 16A fuses, an 11 kW charger is a suitable choice, which can charge a 60 kWh battery in about 5 hours. If your home is equipped with a three-phase connection and 32A fuses, you can choose a 22 kW charger, which will charge the same battery in about 90 minutes.

• Is it necessary to have a three-phase connection where I want to install the charger?

  A 3 phase connection for installing a charging station is not necessary, but is advisable. Most electric vehicles on the market currently use single-phase charging, but this will likely change in the future due to the rapid development of technology and batteries. With a 3 phase connection, you will be prepared for future changes and avoid additional costs when purchasing a new electric car.

• Do I need a permit to install an electric charging station at home?

  For installing a charging station at home in South Africa, it is not necessary to obtain special permits or authorizations, as such stations connect directly to the user's home network.

• Can I install the electric vehicle charger myself?

  Installing a charging station for electric vehicles requires interventions in the electrical network, which requires specific knowledge and skills in the field of electrical installations. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have the installation handled by a specialist who can issue the Certificate of Compliance.