The now standardized European charging system is designed for a maximum of 43kW (63A @ 400V 3phase).
The design time for charging an empty car battery completely is 3.5 hours.
The above mentioned Mini will charge within this time @ 32A 3phase, its capacity is supposed to be 35 kWh. This allows for 200km of driving before next charging. At least in theory.
Although the European system should become available everywhere, this does not necessarily mean, that the design power is available everywhere. It is therefore possible to use the same system @ home on a 16A 230V circuit, with of course longer charging time. Car and socket communicate after plugging in, the car will be immobilized automatically and has to be released as well as the connection cable by a chip card that you bear on you, after charging.
Last edited by Wolfgang; 01/13/11 11:56 AM.
