"How to charge?"- this is probably the first question that arises in a person interested in electric vehicles. And in the conditions of Belarus - the question is doubly interesting. We will approach it on the example of the European Tesla Model S as the first decent electric car that is now on the market. We continue the promised cycle of publications.
Let's remember physics: volts, amperes and kilowatts
First, some basic information about electric current. If you did well in school and know how volts differ from amps and kilowatts, you can safely skip this information.
The battery capacity of a car is measured in kilowatt-hours, in our case the battery has a capacity of 85 kWh. This means that, theoretically, it can produce 85 kW of power for one hour or, respectively, 85 hours to produce 1 kW. To replenish the battery, you need to do the opposite - apply 85 kW to it for an hour, or apply 1 kW to it for 85 hours. Of course, in reality there are losses, and charging does not always go at the same speed, but the general idea is this.
A watt as a unit of power is a volt (voltage) multiplied by an ampere (current). To understand the difference between current and voltage, the water analogy is best. Voltage is, figuratively speaking, the pressure of water, and current strength is the diameter of the pipe. To pump the same volume of water (kilowatt-hours), you can, for example, pump water through a narrow pipe with a high head or a wide pipe with a low head.
If the pipe is wide and with high pressure, then the filling process is fast. Otherwise, slowly. For high voltage good conductor insulation is needed (thick pipe wall), for great strength current - sufficient cable cross-section (pipe thickness).
Now let's talk about sockets. A typical household euro socket has a nominal voltage of 220 V and a maximum current, usually 16 A or less. If we multiply the voltage by the current, or 220 V × 16 A, we get maximum power consumer at 3520 W, or about 3.5 kW.
Another common type of outlet is three-phase, with an interphase voltage of 380 V (the voltage of each phase is the same 220 V). It is less common in everyday life (electric stoves), but is ubiquitous in production, where powerful equipment is used. Most often, a three-phase socket has the same maximum current of 16 A, which, taking into account three phases, gives us 220 V × 16 A × 3 = 10.5 kW. This European-style socket has a red color and five contacts arranged in a circle. For convenience, we will call it a red rosette.
There are also single-phase sockets for 32 A ( of blue color), but they are extremely rare.
Since the electrical network uses alternating current, and the battery is charged with constant current, it must be "straightened" using charger. The same thing happens when you charge your laptop or mobile phone. Only in the case of Tesla, the charger is installed inside the car. IN basic configuration The Model S comes with one 11kW charger, and you can optionally add a second one for a total charging power of 22kW.
Also included with the machine is the so-called Mobile Connector, which is similar in shape to a charger, although in fact it is just smart connection cable. For the German market, two adapters are included: one for a regular Euro socket, the other for a three-phase red socket. And that's just what we need! In the case of the American Model S, you will receive a set of single-phase American sockets of various capacities and the inability to charge from a three-phase socket in principle! This is the main and very significant limitation of "American women".
Mobile Connector
The car itself, destined for Europe, houses the Mennekes Type 2 charging connector. Introduced in 2009, it was adopted as a single European standard for electric vehicles. Today it is used in Renault Zoe and BMW i3. The main advantage of Type 2 is the ability to work with both direct and alternating current, with a single or three-phase network. In addition, it is much safer than conventional plug-in connections, since the transfer of energy begins only after the plug is fully connected and the car and the cable “agree” among themselves on the type electric current and charging power. In the case of the American Model S, the car will have a connector of its own unique design, more compact, but not supporting three-phase current.
First charge - at the car wash!
Now that we have dealt with the cables and sockets, you can start charging. For the first time in Belarus, our car was charged at the Peugeot car wash. The employees were sympathetic to the electric car and allowed to use their three-phase red socket. As it turns out, powerful professional sinks high pressure use just this type.
Open the trunk, take out the Mobile Connector, plug it into a power outlet. The indicator lights up green - everything is ready for charging. On the opposite side of the cable there is a handle with a button and a Type 2 connector. We press the button in the handle, and in taillight With driver's side the door opens. We insert the connector, three LEDs in the headlight start blinking green - charging has begun!
On the screen in the Tesla cabin, you can see the mains voltage of 230 V (in our case, phase) and the current strength. The car gradually begins to increase the current and at the same time monitors the voltage. If suddenly a voltage drop is detected with an increase in power or its fluctuation, the current strength will be limited. This is how network overload protection works.
In our case, the wiring was quite new, so the car quickly reached the maximum for of this type 16 A sockets and started charging at a power of 11 kW. About a quarter of the battery needed to be charged to a "full tank" and the estimated charge time was 2 hours. Not fast, to say the least. Nevertheless, while the car was put in order, it was possible to charge almost completely. Good for a start. A full charge from the red socket will take about 8 hours.
If the car is closed during charging, the Mobile Connector is blocked in the connector and all illumination is turned off so as not to attract too much attention.
After driving around the city, it's time to check the charging speed in the garage from ordinary socket. And here came the bummer: the Mobile Connector blinked red four times, which is an indication of the lack of grounding. No "ground" - no charge. Very often, electricians are not serious about grounding, so you can find ungrounded or “zeroed” sockets everywhere. So the presence of a euro socket in the wall does not guarantee you the opportunity to recharge from it. Even if you are lucky and there is a ground, the charging speed will be four times slower than the red socket, since the maximum power in this case only 3 kW. A full charge will take over 33 hours!
If you want to charge at home faster than the red outlet allows, you must optional equipment. One charger installed in the car, by default, allows you to charge at a power of 11 kW. The optional second one can be installed directly at the factory or added later, in which case the maximum charging power will be 22 kW. In addition, you will need to install the High Power Wall Connector (HPWC), which is almost a complete analogue of the Mobile Connector, only installed permanently and has a thicker cable.
If HPWC is the only alternative in America, in Europe you can buy a similar device with a Type 2 connector and the corresponding cable. But in the case of a cable from third party manufacturers you will not be able to open the charging hatch by pressing the button in the cable. You will have to open it from the central screen or from mobile phone through the application, which is not very convenient. Power of 22 kW will allow you to fully charge in 4 hours.
But perhaps the biggest problem with 22 kW charging is allocating the appropriate power. If you can't get 22 kW at the car parking lot, it doesn't make sense to order a second charger in the car and HPWC. For convenience in the garage, it is best to purchase a second Mobile Connector and use it as a stationary one, permanently connected to a power outlet. And carry the original with you in the trunk, just in case you need to recharge on the road. Most likely, on the way you will be charged from a regular (if you are lucky with grounding) or a red socket. Even if you suddenly find a Type 2 connector with a power of 22 kW at the Belarusian electric filling station of the future, then 4 hours is still too long for recharging during the day. In the case of charging at night, the difference of 4 or 8 hours does not matter.
Why cities don't need electric refueling
Now let's talk about electric stations. This is the most asked question to the owner of an electric car. Oddly enough, in the city, Tesla owners do not need electric stations in principle. The real power reserve is 300-350 km, in the worst case (when minus 20 Celsius and traffic jams) it drops to 200 km. In the evening you put the car on charge (just like a mobile phone), and in the morning you always " full tank» (if red outlet or HPWC). In the case of a conventional outlet, a “full tank” may not work, especially in winter. Therefore, the best electric refueling is a red outlet in your home.
Is it possible to operate a Tesla normally if you do not have a garage or parking space? Since the installation of the home red socket was delayed, and the euro socket in the garage did not have grounding, we drove the first thousand kilometers in the "parking near the house" mode. Thanks to the kind people at the Peugeot car wash, at Atlant-M Britannia and DAF Trucks, we used their red sockets every few days. In all cases, there were no problems, with the exception of two points - you have to wait a long time for charging to complete and wipe the cable from dust and dirt before putting it back in the trunk. Night charging is much more pleasant: you sleep - the car is charging. During the day it is very inconvenient.
The Model S can be charged at any time without having to wait until it is completely empty. The battery has no memory effect, will not recharge if you leave it plugged in for for a long time. The manufacturer generally recommends leaving it connected all the time until you drive. This is especially important in winter severe frost. You can remotely turn on the climate control and warm up both the interior and the car battery from the mains. Another handy feature is the automatic marking on the map of all the places where you have ever charged. Thus, after a while, a map of "electric filling stations" is formed.
Is it possible to "reset the extension cord" from the apartment? Theoretically yes, practically no. Firstly, it will be unsafe in rain or snow, and secondly, charging from a regular outlet takes a catastrophically long time. Therefore, in order to use an electric car normally, installing a three-phase red socket near a permanent parking place at work or at home is priority which should be taken care of in advance.
To install a three-phase socket at home, you, in a good way, will need to make a project, go through the stages of approvals, mount sockets, lay cables and, it is possible, install an additional electricity meter. All this can be undertaken by a specialized organization that deals with electrics. In each case, the timing, cost, availability will vary electrical power. Therefore, before thinking about buying an electric car, you definitely need to understand for yourself how you will solve the issue of charging.
But what about the electric refueling on the A-100, you ask? After all, the slogan on a huge poster reads “Electric cars refuel here,” and on a special pedestal, like a monument, stands a lone Nissan Leaf. As it turned out from a conversation with the gas station staff, they have no idea how it works: “The bosses are playing this electric car, and we don’t know anything.”
On the second attempt, with a request to clarify the situation, the employee went to his superiors, who did not even deign to leave the office and look at the first living customer of an electric refueling station in the country. "It is for official use», - said, as she cut off, the lady at the cash desk after a visit to the authorities.
We approached Nissan and found out that the “subcompact car” is charged by “slow” charging through the old Type 1 connector. In any case, without dancing with adapters that are not there, Model S will not be able to charge there, and it will take too much time. Thus, "electric refueling" on the "A-100" is simply not a completely correct marketing ploy.
If in the city Tesla is almost ideal for everyday driving, then long-distance travel by electric car in Eastern Europe today is big problem. You can still go to Vilnius by agreeing there with the owner of the red socket for the night, but to Moscow - no longer. This requires a network of fast chargers that would be on the tracks.
The main difference between fast charging and slow charging is that it immediately supplies D.C. high power directly to the battery, bypassing the charger built into the car. in the USA and Europe Tesla develops its own network of electric charging stations, which are called Supercharger. Depending on the version, they charge with direct current with a voltage of 400 V and a power of 90 to 135 kW. Moreover, stations with a capacity of 150 kW will be launched in the summer. For Tesla Model S owners, the use of these chargers is unlimited and free of charge. This charge allows you to replenish half the battery in 20 minutes.
It will take more time to fully charge the battery, because when charging after 80% of full capacity, the battery starts to heat up more and the power must be reduced. The company has very ambitious plans to develop the Supercharger network in Western Europe and the US. As for Eastern Europe, no specific information has yet been announced.
Existing network Supercharger stations V North America
Network development plans in North America by 2015
Existing network of Supercharger stations in Europe
Network development plans by 2015 in Europe
The second, universal, fast charging option is the Chademo network. The idea is the same, but not free and with a maximum power of 50 kW. For Model S, there is a special adapter that allows you to charge from these stations. Chademo connector has enough big size and nowhere near as comfortable as the Type 2.
One of the indisputable advantages of electric vehicles, in comparison with gasoline and diesel counterparts, is the simplicity and “intelligence” of refueling. Nevertheless, most opinions (in particular, about Tesla) agree that today there is nowhere to charge an electric car in Russia, and if there is no specially equipped charging station in your city, then a full-fledged ride is not possible. However, this opinion is fundamentally wrong - charging an electric car today in any city in Russia is easier than refueling at a gas station. To explain why this is so, we filmed a detailed video tutorial, and also decided to conduct a comprehensive educational program on charging Tesla electric vehicles.
Online charging calculator
It's easy to use:
1. Select a car model, initial and desired charge level;
2. Select the outlet you are connecting your electric vehicle to, or manually set the voltage and amperage.
3. To calculate the cost of charging, enter the price per kWh (electricity tariff).
Tesla's Necessary Theory and Characteristics
In order to accurately imagine how and how much to charge a Tesla, as well as to represent its "fuel consumption", it is worth remembering a little information from school course physics. However, if you know the difference between amps, volts and kilowatts, you can safely move on to the next section.
So, the battery capacity of any electric vehicle is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example, the Tesla Model S P85 has a corresponding figure of 85 kWh, which means that its battery is capable of delivering 85 kW of power for one hour, or 1 kW for 85 hours. And in order to charge the battery, it is necessary to supply 85 kW to it accordingly for an hour, or vice versa. Of course, in reality, there are losses due to which the charging speed can be uneven, but in general, everything works that way.
The unit of power for electric vehicles is the watt. Power is determined by multiplying voltage (measured in volts) by current (measured in amperes). To explain the principle of operation clearly, let's give a hackneyed, but nevertheless effective analogy - let's say we need to pump a certain amount of water through a pipe. The water pressure in this example is analogous to voltage, and the current is the diameter of the pipe. It is easy to understand that having a pipe with a wide diameter and good water pressure, the same volume of water is pumped many times faster than through a thin pipe and with low pressure. Returning to electricity - for high voltage, good conductor insulation is required, and for high current strength, a sufficient cable cross-section (pipe thickness) is required.
What does all this mean in practice? Everything is quite simple: an ordinary European socket with a nominal voltage of 220 Volts provides a current of 16A or less. Thus, the maximum consumer power at such an outlet is: 220V x 16A = 3520W = 3.5 kW.
Charging in practice - all about the types of chargers, sockets and charging time
Before proceeding to detailed analysis of all kinds of sockets from which you can recharge, it is worth mentioning the charger hidden in the bowels of Tesla. This device is similar to charging your laptops or smartphones and serves the simple purpose of converting the AC that "flows" in all outlets into DC to charge the device.
Tesla's standard charger has 11 kW of power. The so-called Dual Charger is optionally available, which doubles the power and, accordingly, the number of kilometers received per unit of charging time. We highly recommend installing a Dual Charger if you plan to use your Tesla regularly.
In addition, it is worth remembering the main difference in charging the European and American versions of Model S - cars from the USA do not have the ability to charge from a three-phase outlet, which is usually faster charging from one phase.
Now we can start discussing specific charging methods and their parameters. All the data below is relevant for the Dual Charger, as it is a priori a must have. Also, in order to avoid confusion, we will only talk about Tesla charging methods that are relevant in Russia.
One of the most efficient and relevant charging methods for Russia and the CIS is through a red IEC 60309 Red socket. This red socket has 5 pins and 16A current. However, such an outlet supports a three-phase current, thereby increasing the charge efficiency by several times - after all, the voltage of each phase is the same 220V, and the interphase voltage is already 380 volts! Such an outlet found everywhere where powerful equipment is used - at any gas station, car washes, parking lots, hotels, etc. - usually it is enough just to ask the staff of the relevant organization to connect to it (which we recently tested on our own experience on a Moscow-Minsk trip). In addition, any electrician can make the appropriate connection in your garage, office or parking space. Charge speed - 55 km per hour (versus 14 km using a standard household outlet), time full charge Batteries are easy to calculate.
By the way, the Mobile Connector is supplied with Tesla for the European market - a standard charging cable with two adapters: for a regular euro socket and for a three-phase standard described above.
The next charging option, common in Russia and the CIS, is the so-called Mennekes Type 2. It is this standard that is used on most public chargers, because. was adopted in 2009 as a single European standard for electric vehicles (used, for example, in the BMW i3). Connector on European version Tesla Model S is suitable for using Type 2 stations - you just need to purchase a charging cable (for example, in our store). The charging speed depends on the input parameters of the electric current at the installation site of a particular charging station, and varies from 18 km per hour with a single-phase current of 220 V and 16A, up to 110 km per hour with a three-phase current, a voltage of 400 V and a current of 32A. In Moscow, powerful stations of the Type 2 standard are quite common - for example, charging at the Smolensky Passage shopping mall, where the Moscow Tesla Club office is located, charges Tesla from zero to 100% in just 4 hours.
The Type 2 standard charging station can also be installed in your garage, in a common or office parking lot, or in your own parking space. Moscow Tesla Club offers various configurations of such EVlink stations manufactured by Schneider Electric (Germany) for home and public use, as well as a full range of installation services.
So far, not very common in Russia, but an extremely promising way to charge Tesla is the ChaDeMo station. Such stations fully charge the Tesla Model S in 1.5 hours, which is almost as fast as branded Supercharger stations. ChaDeMo are already quite common in Europe, and in Russia, Ukraine and the Republic of Belarus, new projects for the installation of such stations are gradually appearing. By the way, the Evlink ChaDeMo station can also be purchased at the Moscow Tesla Club.
In order to charge Tesla with ChaDeMo you need a special adapter. Such an adapter will allow you to charge the car at any station of this standard, which is indispensable when traveling around Europe. The ChaDeMo adapter for Tesla can also be purchased at the Moscow Tesla Club.
In order not to get confused among all types of sockets, connectors and charging stations, Tesla Motors prepared the following table for Model S owners, showing the dependence of the charge rate on the characteristics of a particular power source (attention: the data is relevant for cars equipped with a Dual Charger):
Undoubtedly, in the case of Tesla electric vehicles, the most convenient charging option is branded Supercharger stations. Not only do they have incredible speed charging (270 km in 30 minutes, 100% battery charge in 75 minutes), but also located in such a way that passengers do not get bored and can take a break from the road - next to cafes, eateries, hotels and other elements of the road infrastructure. There are no such stations in Russia and the CIS yet, however, according to the official website of Tesla Motors, already in 2016 stations will appear on the territory of Russia and Ukraine - linking our countries with Europe. So, a new round Tesla stories in our latitudes is not far off.
However, already today we have the opportunity to fully enjoy the convenience of charging instead of refueling - without smell, dirt and other inconveniences. There are many options to charge Tesla as in in public places, and in your own garage or in the parking lot. provides its customers with the maximum comfort of using electric vehicles, because we strive to ensure that maintaining your own vehicle is as convenient as owning modern gadgets.
The first question that arises for a person who is interested in electric vehicles is: “How to charge them?”. Tesla Model S is considered the first among them, which is worthy of respect. The answer will be based on it.
The original article and photos were taken from auto.onliner.by
Everyone knows physics within the school curriculum, which means they remember what it is: an ammeter, a voltmeter and kilowatts.
The battery capacity used in electric vehicles is measured in kilowatt-hours. For the model under consideration, this value is 85 kW / h. This means that the battery can theoretically deliver 85 kW per hour or one kilowatt for 85 hours. This is assuming there are no losses. In reality, of course, they are available, since the charging speed is not always the same.
Power, i.e. A watt is voltage (volts) times current (amps). To better understand the difference between voltage and current, we can draw an analogy with water. The current strength can be compared with the diameter of the pipe from which water flows under pressure (voltage). When pumping water through a narrow pipe, but under high pressure, as well as when pumping it through a wide pipe, but under low pressure, you can pump the same volume of this liquid (kilowatt-hour). Only in the second case, the filling process will be quick, and in the first case it will be longer. Continuing to compare further, we find that in order for high voltage, reliable insulation is necessary (in the case of water, a thick pipe wall), and for a large current strength, a cross section (pipe diameter) is required.
The most common household euro sockets have the following parameters: current strength -16A or less, and voltage - 220V. If we multiply these two values, we get the maximum power equal to 3520W, or almost 3.5 kW.
No less common in production (less often in everyday life) are three-phase sockets. They have the same 220 watts in each phase, giving a phase to phase voltage of 380V. Their current strength, as a rule, is also equal to 16A. Multiplying these three values (taking into account the three phases) we get a power of 10.5 kW (220x16x3). Such an outlet in European version has five located in a circle of contacts. Its color is red, which is why it is often called the “red rosette”.
There are also “blue sockets” - single-phase (32A), but they are practically never found in our country.
Another nuance: the battery is charged with a constant current, and an alternating current flows in the network, so it needs to be “straightened”. For this, a charger is used, just as when charging a mobile phone or laptop, a digital camera, etc. The only difference is that this device is installed for charging inside an electric car.
For the Model S model of the basic configuration, it is one, and its power is 11 kW. At the request of the client, the second one is also installed. In this case, the power is doubled. In addition, the car kit includes a Mobile Connector, which resembles a charger in shape, but is actually a “smart” connecting cable.
For the German market, two adapters are provided, which are also included in the kit. One of them allows you to charge an electric car from a regular outlet, the other from a “red” one. For American customers, there is a set of single-phase sockets of various capacities included. For "American women" the main limitation is the inability to charge the car from a three-phase outlet.
Mobile Connector
For cars delivered to Europe, a single standard was adopted in 2009, according to which electric vehicles must have a Mennekes Type 2 connector for charging. Today it is used in the BMW i3, Renault Zoe, and now in the Model S. Its advantage is that it can work with current, both alternating and direct, with a single- and three-phase network. It is also much safer than traditional connections, since energy transfer can only begin after it is fully connected to the car and an “arrangement has been reached” between the latter and the cable about the type of electric current and the required charging power. In a vehicle designed for American market, a more compact unique connector of its own design will be installed, but it does not allow the use of three-phase current.
First charge - at the car wash!
Having learned all about sockets and cables, you can proceed to the actual charging. The first refueling can be done (at least in Belarus) right at the Peugeot car wash, where there is a “red socket” and understanding of employees.
To do this, the Mobile Connector is inserted into the socket, then the indicator lights up green. At the opposite end of the cable there is a handle with a button, as well as a Type 2 connector. We press this button so that the door on the driver's side in the taillight opens automatically, where the connector is connected. We insert it - charging has begun, as evidenced by three blinking LEDs in the headlight. In the cabin, on the monitor, you can get information about the current strength (230V in our case). Protection will monitor the network overload: if there is a voltage drop with an increase in power, or if it fluctuates, then the current strength will be automatically limited.
For new wiring, the time to reach 16A is short. Having reached them, battery charging starts at a power of 11 kW. It takes two hours to charge the battery by ¼. It takes 8 hours to fully charge from this socket.
The illumination is turned off if the car is closed during charging, due to the fact that the Mobile Connector is blocked in the connector. Very good when you do not need to attract attention.
Carrying out tests on the car, after a trip around the city, they checked the charging speed. We did this in the garage using a regular (household) outlet. Mobile Connector suddenly blinked red. And this indicates the absence of grounding, without which there will be no charging. By the way, we have this important factor electricians are not serious, so more often household sockets are “zeroed”, which does not allow charging an electric car. But, even if the outlet is “ok”, the charging time from it is much longer than from the “red” outlet, since its maximum power is only 3 kW. For more than thirty hours, the car will not be able to be useful, because that is how long it will take to fully charge it.
As mentioned, one charger is installed in the car, but if you install the second directly at the factory, then you can double the maximum charge power, i.e. up to 22 kW. Additionally, you will need to install a High Power Wall Connector device, similar to the stationary Mobile Connector.
HPWC for the Americans is the only alternative, while in Europe there is another one with the appropriate cable and Type 2 connector. Unfortunately, a third-party cable does not allow the charging hatch to open automatically, and you will have to open it using a mobile and appropriate application or from the central monitor. But there is an opportunity to charge within four hours.
Indeed, the problem is rather the allocation of appropriate power when charging at 22 kW. If there is no opportunity to get 22kW at the parking lot, then there is no point in installing a second charger. It is recommended to purchase a second Mobile Connector in order to use it as a stationary one in the garage
Are electric stations needed in cities?
All experts agree that the owners Tesla gas stations not needed in the city. Why? Yes, everything is simple: the power reserve of the car is about 350 km (even at minus twenty, this is at least 200 km), i.e. more than enough for a day's run. And at night, the car is put on charge in its own garage (just like we do it with mobile phones). In the morning he has a "full tank" and is ready to go. It is desirable, of course, to have a “red” socket at home, so that even in winter period be guaranteed to be fully charged.
If there is no garage or there is still no “red” socket at home, or there is no grounding in the euro socket, you can drive a thousand kilometers in the “parking near the house” mode using the “handy” “red sockets” (at a car wash, in services, etc.). But, every time after refueling, you will have to clean it from dirt and dust before putting the cable in the trunk. But even more unpleasant is a long idle time waiting for the battery to “fill up”. Of course, you can not fully charge the Model S, since the battery does not have a memory effect. But, it will not recharge if it remains connected to the outlet for a long time. According to the manufacturer's recommendations, it should be kept on charge when not being driven, which is especially important in cold weather. This will allow you to warm up the battery, like the interior of the car, by turning on the climate control remotely. Another plus of this recommendation is that over time, the driver gets his own map of impromptu “electric filling stations”, since all the places where the car has ever been refueled are automatically marked on the map.
Another question often worries drivers: “Is it possible to “drop” an extension cord from an apartment?”. Answer: No! It is very dangerous in bad weather, firstly. Secondly, it will be catastrophically long. Therefore, in place permanent parking installing a three-phase outlet is the first necessity. And it's better to take care of it in advance.
To do this, you need a project that needs to be coordinated with the relevant authorities, after which you can start laying the cable (possibly installing an additional electric meter). You can entrust the work to the relevant organizations. But the electric car is worth it, and when you, having become its owner, feel all the delights of innovative transport, you will understand that all the preparatory difficulties were worth it.
Well, the bigger signs on the A-100, calling for refueling electric vehicles here, are only the whims of the owners of the gas station. The staff has no idea how to use it, it turned out in a conversation with employees.
An attempt to contact the authorities, during testing, ended with the phrase that it was intended "for official use!".
Therefore, one can only talk about the A-100 gas station as an incorrect marketing move. But only!
Perfect option– if refueling for everyday driving there is in the city. But for long-distance travel Eastern Europe this is a big problem today. You can still get to Vilnius if you agree with the owners of the “red” outlet about refueling at night. It is impossible to get to Moscow due to the lack of a network of gas stations on the highway. In Europe and the USA, these are easier. It has its own network, called Supercharger, where Tesla can be charged, depending on the version, with a direct current of 90-135 kV and a voltage of 400 V. Stations with a capacity of 150 kW will soon be launched there. Tesla drivers can use them for free and without restrictions. A full charge is carried out on them within twenty minutes.
In the company's ambitious plans, further development Supercharger in these countries, but no information has yet been announced regarding Eastern Europe.
North America: Existing Supercharger network
Gas station construction planned for 2015 in North America
Europe: Supercharger stations
By 2015, plans to develop a network of gas stations in Europe
Another versatile option is the Chademo network - same idea, but not free. With the help of a special conductor, Tesla is refueled, but at a maximum power of 50 kW. Disadvantage: large connector size, which is less convenient than Type.
For Europe the best option there would be the development of stations that allow you to charge the car through the Type 2 connector using direct current. But, there are no such solutions from third-party organizations yet.
How much does a full charge cost?
The tests carried out indicate that 250 W/h is consumed per kilometer, i.e. 25 kW/h per hundred kilometers. But, keep in mind that the efficiency of the charger is not 100%, and the battery is normal mode"filled" only 90% to be able to use reproductive inhibition and also extend battery life.
It turns out. That in order to charge an 85 kW / h Tesla battery, you need 100 kW / h and 90 kW / h if it is filled by 90%. Considering real stock travel - 300 km, we have 30 kV / h for every hundred kilometers.
At the electricity tariff for ordinary individuals, but taking into account that it will be more than 150 kW (i.e. 917 rubles), we get: in rubles for every hundred kilometers traveled it will cost 27,510 rubles. But, at the same time, you are driving a car with 412 hp under the hood, and acceleration to one hundred kilometers takes 4.4 seconds!
It is also very convenient that you can track the status of the car, control its central lock, know the location, use the climate control system and, most importantly, control the charging progress, using mobile application Android and iOS.
In summary, here are some things to remember:
- For charging from a conventional euro socket, which lasts a day, grounding is necessary.
- For comfortable operation in the parking lot and in the garage, you need a “red2” socket, from which you can fully charge in eight hours.
- When choosing between buying a second charger and Mobile Connector, the second option would be preferable, which can be used as a stationary one.
- Very inconvenient to use Tesla if not permanent place with electrical outlet.
- It is extremely difficult to travel long distances along routes that are not equipped with special gas stations.
- American Model S cannot be charged from a three-phase socket.
- At least three dollars must be paid for the electricity required to cover a hundred kilometers.
Despite all the difficulties so far, an electric car is worth it to buy, because it gives you an unprecedented driving experience!
Tesla cars are only gaining their popularity in Russia when in the USA vehicle found almost as often as the "Zhiguli" in the CIS. The only thing that stops the popularization of electric cars in Russia is an insufficient amount stations for charging electric vehicles. Most gas stations are located within Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moving outside these cities, you can see that the number of gas stations is gradually decreasing, while in the US the number of stations for electric vehicles is almost equal to the number of conventional gas stations. In the article we will consider the lineup Tesla vehicles and the power reserve of these vehicles.
About company
Tesla is an American company that produces premium electric vehicles. Was founded in 2003. It is named after the famous physicist and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. On this moment Elon Musk leads this company.
The company gained the greatest popularity after the release of the first generation Tesla Model S, which went on sale in 2012. The car had two modifications: one with a power of 60 kWh, the second - 85 kWh. The electric motor is located at the rear of the car. In 2015, a version with two engines per axle was introduced. After that, each car of the company is equipped with two engines. The Tesla S has a range of 442 to 502 kilometers.
In 2012, Tesla's Model S was awarded "Car of the Year" by the renowned Motor Trend magazine.
Technical features of model X
Specifications models depend on the configuration, which have this car three:
"Tesla" model X
Model X from Tesla is an SUV equipped with two electric motors. Most of the power is located on the rear engine for technical reasons.
Externally, the car looks very futuristic, reminiscent of something extraterrestrial. Main Feature This model from the company "Tesla" are the rear doors that open like the wings of a bird. This solution was applied by designers for more comfortable fit and disembarkation of second and third row passengers. It is also an advantage when parking, as it requires only 30 centimeters of free space on the sides of the car, which is significantly less than conventional vehicles.
Optionally, the buyer can purchase a five-, six- and seven-seater SUV. Also a useful feature is the third row of seats, which is able to fold flush with the floor, which increases the volume luggage compartment three times.
Car prices start at $132,000 (8,683,000 rubles) for the base trim and $142,000 (9,339,000) for the top trim with an engine power of 772 horsepower. In this configuration maximum margin The Tesla X model travels 400 kilometers, which is 11 kilometers less than the 90D configuration.
Model X power reserve
Power reserve X depends on equipment. At minimum configuration this figure is 354 kilometers, and the maximum is 411 kilometers. The P90D version has a range of 400 kilometers, after which the car will need to be charged, which lasts from 4 to 12 hours depending on the current, charging method and plug.
Reviews about "Tesla" X
The main advantage is that the car does not pollute environment. car battery consists of many small 18650 batteries. Therefore, after a cell fails, you can find a damaged cell and replace it without buying a whole assembly of batteries.
Also an important advantage is aluminum body, which is not susceptible to corrosion and weighs less than steel. Appearance car resembles many serial crossovers, but still has its own characteristics, for example, rear wing doors.
A huge tablet with which you can control all the functions of the car, including the navigation system, watching videos, movies, listening to tracks and much more.
Tesla's power reserve directly depends on the temperature overboard. This is considered a disadvantage, since the built-in lithium-ion batteries very demanding on temperature and weather conditions.
As for the seasons, it also has its own characteristics:
Technical features of the S model
The base model S uses liquid cooling. The car is equipped with an AC motor with a power of 362 horsepower. The car accelerates to hundreds in 2.7 seconds, which is faster than many serial sedans premium.
This car is considered the quietest serial electric car. The top-end equipment costs 140 thousand dollars (9,200,000 rubles), the basic one costs half as much. The range of the top-end Tesla S is 507 kilometers, which is almost 100 kilometers more than the SUV of this company.
Model S: description
Externally, the Tesla Model S is a bit like the Ford Mondeo. This is where their similarity ends. The first thing owners notice petrol cars mobile - the absence of a radiator grille, since it is simply not needed here. The front optics look very fresh, here it is fully LED, has the so-called cilia on the top and bottom of the headlight. The Tesla logo is located in a small opening between the bumper and the bonnet.
External door handles the same as in modern models"Lexus" and "Range Rover", namely, move forward when the car is unlocked from the key and retract when it is locked.
The roof of the car is panoramic, inside the cabin looks very attractive. Thanks to this, there is always enough light in the cabin. Since outwardly the car is not particularly remarkable, it is worth talking about its interior.
Inside the car looks quite minimalist, except for the large touch screen. He is at the same time on-board computer, and a multimedia center, and a navigation system.
The car became popular due to the introduction of not only lane keeping, but also full autopilot. To turn it on, there are special buttons on the steering wheel. But you can’t just break away from the steering wheel, since the car will require hands on the steering wheel once a minute, otherwise it will emergency stop and will not move until it switches from autopilot to manual control.
Since the car is fully electric, the presence of mechanical box gear is meaningless. Therefore, the car has a speedless gearbox. Gear shifting is not audible at all, as well as third-party noise, with the exception of the quietest hum of the electric motor.
This car will not go forever, so it needs to be charged. Many filling stations have at least one electric vehicle charging station that can fill up a car in a matter of hours.
Model S range
The range of the car in the basic configuration is 412 kilometers, in the top one, which is designated P100D - 507 kilometers. The charging time of this car will be the same hours as that of a Tesla SUV. The Tesla S battery assembly consists of 16 blocks, each of which must be replaced separately.
After testing the Tesla car, the Model S was named one of the most safe cars on the market, even considering the fact that it consists entirely of electrics. He received five stars from the "Euro NKAP" commission.
Impressions from the operation Tesla in winter in Russia
To bookmarks
Alexander Chachava, managing partner of the LETA Capital venture fund, shared his experience of operating a Tesla car in Moscow, and also gave some advice on using a car in winter.
For a year and a half I have been driving Tesla car and already dashed off 14 thousand km. Heard that consumer qualities fall in the second year of ownership, the batteries work worse, the car starts to have problems.
I did not notice anything, everything works like clockwork. I don’t know what will happen at 50 thousand km, but so far everything is fine. The lack of maintenance is a little annoying, Tesla told me that no action is needed with the machine, it will report a malfunction if something happens. I am so accustomed to the instantaneous response of the electric motor that I am surprised at first by the delay after gas on gas cars, even on BMWs.
But the sound of the engine is a bit lacking for completeness of sensations, although sometimes you like silence when you want to sit in silence, and not drive. In general, the engine roar option that can be ordered from an electric car tuning studio is not as idiotic as it seems at first glance.
