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Why (already) opt for a hybrid or electric car
Is electric charging expensive?
How can I install a charging point at home?
Full electric of hybrid?
First steps in buying an electric or hybrid car
Electric charging with MAES
MAES fast charging stations
Can I install a public charging point at home?

Electric charging with MAES

Here you can find all useful information about electric charging

Can I charge my electric car just about anywhere?

No, unfortunately you cannot charge everywhere with an electric car. Although the number of charging points has already increased in recent years, it is still important to check the availability of charging points in the areas where you drive. There are several websites and apps that show the location and availability of charging points in real time, so you can plan where to charge during longer journeys. It is also wise to check the charging capacity and compatibility of the charging points, as some electric cars require specific connections.

Opladen auto

What are the different types of connections for electric charging.

There are different types of connections for electric charging, the most commonly used are listed below. Please note: some electric cars are compatible with multiple connections, but it is important to check which connection is suitable for your specific car.

  • Type 1 (J1772)
    • This is the most commonly used electric car socket in North America and Japan.
  • Type 2 (Mennekes)
    • This is the most commonly used connection for electric cars in Europe and Asia.
  • Chademo
    • This is a fast charger standard used for Japanese electric cars.
  • CCS (Combined Charging System):
    • This is a new standard that supports both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) fast charging and is increasingly used in Europe and North America.
  • Tesla Supercharger
    • This is an exclusive connection for Tesla cars, which enables fast charging.

Which connection can you find at the MAES Stations?

At MAES we are also working on building 100 Ultra-Fast-Charging piles at our locations, in collaboration with our partner Sparki. The intention is that you (depending on your car) are good for hundreds of kilometers within 10 to 30 minutes of charging.

Sparki’s current charging pole’s give a maximum of 350 kW because there are hardly any vehicles that can handle more than 350 kW. This allows you to charge the battery of your electric car to 80% in a minimum of time. Our charging stations are at least 6 times faster than the first generation of fast chargers (50kWh), which can still be found in many places. The power and speed of our charging stations can therefore not be compared to a classic charging station, which only supplies a fraction of the speed of our charging stations.

Sparki

Where is the best place to recharge?

The best place to charge depends on the price and the load capacity. If you are on the road and you urgently need a charge, a fast charger at a public charging point may be the best option. Even if it is slightly more expensive. If you have the option to charge at home and, for example, solar panels, then charging at home is the best option. So everything depends on your situation. Below we take a look at the different options.

EV auto
  • Recharge at home: An electric car has a great advantage that you can often recharge at home. You can use a normal socket for this. Of course, check your rate first and try to charge at off-peak hours. If you have solar panels, this can even be a cheaper option! You can also opt for a charging station with a higher capacity at home.
  • Recharge at work: Some employers encourage taking an electric company car because they can introduce it more easily. They often immediately provide an option to charge the car at work, whether or not at a cheaper rate. This way you can charge the car while you are working and you do not lose any time.
  • Public charging stations: There are already a lot of public charging stations, although this network is still quite limited. At MAES we are also working on installing 100 ultra-fast charging stations at our stations. Public charging stations can often be a bit more expensive, especially ultra-fast charging stations. The advantage is of course that you can get back on the track faster with these last posts. Are you looking for a public charging point? You can find one here
  • Recharge for free while shopping: A number of retail chains have been offering this option for a while. For example, you can charge your car for free at some IKEA stores. This only caused the phenomenon of “loading tourism” where people came to charge their car without shopping. That’s why they are restricting it. For example, Lidl reduced all the power of the charging stations and has limited the charging time to one hour and only during opening hours. The NMBS also has charging stations in many of its public car parks, where train subscribers enjoy a preferential rate. It is expected that “free” charging will soon no longer be offered, but we are not there yet.

Interested in a MAES Hybrid card for electric charging and refueling?

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a question or problem with one of MAES/Sparki’s ultra-fast charging stations?

In case of questions or problems, it is also best to contact our partner Sparki directly at 078 486 660 or hello@sparki.be

Can I charge my electric vehicle with a regular socket?

Yes, you can charge your electric vehicle via a regular socket, but charging will be slower than with a special charging station.

What are the different types of charging points?

There are different types of charging points, including charging stations, fast charging stations, wall boxes and sockets.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

This depends on the size of the battery and the type of charger you use. In general, charging an electric vehicle can take several hours to several tens of minutes, depending on the charging capacity and size of the battery.

What is the difference between AC and DC charging?

AC charging uses alternating current to charge the batteries of an electric car, while DC charging uses direct current. DC charging is generally faster than AC charging.

How can I see how full the battery of my electric car is?

Most electric cars have a dashboard display that shows the battery charge status. This can be expressed as a percentage or as the number of kilometers that can still be traveled on the remaining charge. Some cars also have a mobile app that allows remote monitoring of battery charge status.

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