Electric vehicle charging: discover this little-known phenomenon that could surprise you

Energy Losses Related to Electric Vehicle Charging

In an era where electric mobility is gaining traction in our daily lives, an often-overlooked aspect of electric vehicle charging deserves special attention: energy losses. According to a recent study conducted by the Touring Club Suisse (TCS), it was found that on average, nearly 11% of the energy drawn during the charging of an electric car is lost before it can even be used, raising important questions about the efficiency of our charging infrastructure and the environmental impact of these losses.

To illustrate this concept, let’s consider how home charging works. Using a standard 11 kW Wallbox, the power is generally sufficient for efficient charging, but the overall yield only reaches 89%. This means that 100 kWh drawn from the grid only allows for storing 89 kWh in the battery. This loss primarily arises from the conversion of alternating current to direct current, as well as thermal management and auxiliary systems of the car. These auxiliary systems, involving ventilation and other vehicle elements, consume energy even during charging.

Here is a table that illustrates this data:

It is crucial to understand these losses, as they directly influence the cost of using electric vehicles. For example, over an annual mileage of 15,000 km, a user may lose between 1,087 and 2,359 km of potential range, depending on the vehicle model and its efficiency. This means that some cars lose the equivalent of 1,637 km each year due to this inefficiency.

Furthermore, with a median price of CHF 0.29 per kWh in Switzerland in 2025, the additional costs due to these losses amount to between 48 and 137 CHF per year. This calls for reflection on the necessity of optimizing our charging infrastructure to minimize these losses. Raising user awareness of these unknown phenomena can also play a key role in reducing inefficiencies. Several potential solutions exist: technological improvements in onboard chargers or the adoption of more efficient models.

Charging Technology and Its Implications

The technology behind electric vehicle charging has evolved rapidly, but not all models are created equal in terms of yield and efficiency. Differences between vehicles can be significant, with some achieving a yield of 93%, while others do not exceed 84%. These disparities influence not only the cost but also the long-term performance of the vehicles.

To understand these disparities, let’s consider some key factors that affect yield:

• Onboard Charger Efficiency: Each vehicle has a charger that transforms alternating current into direct current. The technology of this charger varies greatly from one model to another.
• Auxiliary System Consumption: Some vehicles require additional power to operate components like ventilation or battery heating, thus impacting overall yield.
• Thermal Management: Due to temperature variations, a vehicle may consume more energy to maintain its battery at an optimal temperature, especially in extreme conditions.

These elements can lead to hidden costs that users do not always account for. For example, a Renault Zoe plugged into a standard socket has shown losses of up to 24.2% in real conditions. To raise awareness of these details, the ADAC has conducted similar studies and highlighted the need to evaluate not only the capacity of batteries but also the efficiency of charging technology. Each user could thus optimize their costs with full knowledge of the facts.

At the same time, research and development in the field of renewable energies promote the integration of greener solutions into the charging infrastructure. Initiatives are underway to connect charging stations to renewable energy sources, thus reducing the overall environmental impact of charging. A good example of this would be using charging stations whose design allows for maximizing energy efficiency.

New Charging Initiatives

With the skyrocketing use of electric vehicles, new charging infrastructures are emerging to meet the growing demand. In 2025, France surpassed 170,000 charging points. However, one problem persists: the lack of understanding among users regarding these charging options, which can vary considerably in terms of costs and efficiency.

It is essential to note that not all charging points are created equal. Fast charges, for example, are supposed to offer reduced charging times but can sometimes be less efficient. Here is a breakdown of some types of charging solutions available:

• Home Charging: Generally the least expensive option, it requires a Wallbox to improve efficiency.
• Public Fast Charging: Useful for occasional stops but often more expensive and less efficient than home charging.
• Solar Panel Charging Station: A sustainable solution, connecting charging to renewable energies, which can reduce environmental impact.

Some innovative initiatives, such as rolling charge, offer advanced solutions to minimize charging times while maximizing energy efficiency. This technology could transform how we perceive electric vehicle charging and reduce overall energy costs.

Consequently, users need to familiarize themselves with the workings of various charging options to make informed decisions and maximize their electric vehicle ownership experience. The more informed choices there are, the better they can evaluate their energy usage.

The Economic Implications of Electric Charging

The costs associated with charging an electric vehicle are crucial factors to consider when purchasing an electric car. While some believe that charging is always cheaper than refueling with gasoline, this assumption does not always take into account the previously mentioned energy loss factors. With rising electricity prices, such as the potential charging tax that could be implemented, users must be cautious.

To illustrate this situation, let’s consider a typical user making an annual journey of 15,000 km. Taking into account the various yields and rates, the following table presents an estimate of the associated costs:

This demonstrates that, despite the perception of cheaper charging, the reality is that a wise choice is essential to optimize costs and battery range. Users also need to be aware of the loss rates that can accumulate over time. That is why a good understanding of charging technology helps to minimize the economic impacts related to owning an electric vehicle.

Conclusion on the Future of Electric Charging

It is evident that electric vehicle charging remains a challenge to optimize not only battery range but also the overall economy for users. The phenomena related to energy losses during charging being an essential aspect to address, it is imperative to increase awareness and information on this subject. This will enable users to make informed decisions about their mobility and adopt sustainable practices in their daily use of electric vehicles. Ultimately, all of this represents a significant step towards more responsible and conscious use of battery technology on a global scale.

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