FAQ

The charging time varies depending on the charger's power, the vehicle's battery capacity, and the remaining battery level. For example, with a common 7-kW AC charger, it might take 8-10 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle with a 60-kWh battery from 0. While using a 120-kW DC fast-charger, it may take only half an hour to charge the battery from 30% to 80%.

In practical calculations, we need to determine the charging capacity and charging power first. The charging capacity refers to the amount of electricity required to charge the battery from the current state - of - charge (SOC) to the target SOC. It can be calculated by multiplying the battery capacity by the percentage change in the SOC, that is:

Charging capacity = Battery capacity × (Target SOC percentage - Current SOC percentage). The charging power is determined by factors such as the power of the charging pile and the vehicle's charging limitations.

For example, an electric vehicle has a battery capacity of 80 kWh, with a current SOC of 20% and needs to be charged to 80%. A charging pile with a power of 60 kW is used. First, calculate the charging capacity: 80 × (80% - 20%) = 48 kWh. Then, calculate the charging time according to the formula: 48 ÷ 60 = 0.8 hours, which is 48 minutes.

It should be noted that the actual charging time may be affected by various factors, such as the battery temperature, charging efficiency, and the compatibility between the charging pile and the vehicle. As a result, there may be a difference between the actual charging time and the theoretically calculated value.

Main factors include the charger's power, the vehicle's battery management system, and the ambient temperature during charging. For instance, the charging speed of the battery may slow down in low-temperature environments.

When the SOC reaches 80%, the slow-down in speed is for safety considerations.

1. Prevent overcharging: When the battery is close to being fully charged (for example, after the SOC reaches 80%), if charging continues with a large current, overcharging is likely to occur. Overcharging can increase the internal pressure and temperature of the battery, potentially leading to safety accidents such as battery swelling, leakage, or even fire and explosion. It also accelerates battery aging and significantly shortens the battery life. To avoid these problems, the charging system will reduce the charging current when the battery charge is high, and use a safer trickle-charging method to supplement the remaining charge for the battery.

2. Control battery temperature: Heat is generated during the charging process of the battery. The larger the charging current, the more heat is generated. In the later stage of charging, if charging continues with a large current, the battery temperature may become too high. Excessively high temperature not only affects the performance and life of the battery but also poses safety risks. Therefore, in order to control the battery temperature within a safe range, the charging system will reduce the charging speed after the SOC reaches a certain level to reduce heat generation.

When the State of Charge (SOC) of an electric vehicle's battery reaches a relatively high level, such as above 80%, the charging system generally switches to the trickle charging mode. Trickle charging works by providing a tiny and constant current, allowing the battery to slowly replenish the power lost due to self-discharge and other reasons without the risk of overcharging, thus maintaining the battery in a fully charged state.

Its main functions are as follows:

1. Compensate for self-discharge loss: Even when the battery is idle, self-discharge will occur due to internal chemical reactions and other factors, causing the power to gradually decrease. Trickle charging can promptly make up for this lost power, keep the battery at a high state of charge, and extend its available duration.

2. Prolong the battery life: Compared with high-current charging, the current in trickle charging is smaller, resulting in less damage to the chemical substances and electrode structure inside the battery. It can prevent the battery from aging rapidly due to problems such as overcharging and overheating, thereby extending the overall service life of the battery.

3. Enhance charging safety: Since the current in trickle charging is very low, less heat is generated during the charging process, reducing the probability of safety hazards such as battery overheating, swelling, or even fire and explosion. Especially when the battery power is high, this safety feature is even more crucial.

Different brands and models of electric vehicles may have different charging interface standards. Currently, there are mainly national standards, European standards, American standards, etc. in the world. Most domestic electric vehicles in China use the national standard interface and can use public chargers that meet the national standard. However, some imported models may require specific adapters.

The national standard (GB/T 20234 - 2015) in China stipulates the connection devices for conductive charging of electric vehicles, including AC charging interfaces and DC charging interfaces. The AC charging interface adopts a "seven-hole" design, and the DC charging interface adopts a "nine-hole" design.

The European standard adopts the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard. Usually, the Type 2 socket is used, and there are also CHAdeMO and CCS fast charging interfaces. The CCS fast charging interface in the European region is called CCS Type - 2 (CCS2).

The American standard adopts the SAE standard. Usually, the J1772 socket is used, and for fast charging, CCS is adopted. The fast charging interface in the American region is called CCS Type - 1 (CCS1). In addition, Tesla mainly promotes the NACS (North American Charging Standard) interface in the United States. This interface is small, compact and simple. It supports two voltages of 500V and 1000V, and can support ultra-high power charging of up to 1000kW.

If the charging interface of an imported model does not match the national standard interface in China, using a specific adapter can solve the problem of charging interface compatibility, enabling the vehicle to be connected to a public charger that complies with the national standard for charging.

The answer depends greatly on your driving habits and car’s range, charging often is recommended.

If you have a daily commute of around 50 - 100 miles and your electric vehicle has a range of 200 - 300 miles, you might only need to charge every few days. For example, if you drive 60 miles a day and your car has a 250-mile range, you could charge once every 3 - 4 days. However, if you have a shorter-range vehicle, say 100 - 150 miles, and drive 80 miles daily, you'd likely need to charge daily.

If you're someone who takes long trips frequently, you'll need to plan your charging stops along the way. For instance, on a 500-mile journey in an electric car with a 200-mile range, you'd need to stop and charge at least twice. Also, extreme weather conditions can impact the battery range. In cold weather, the battery's performance may decrease, causing you to charge more often.

In general, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your car's battery level and charge when it reaches around 20 - 30% to ensure you don't run out of power unexpectedly. This way, you can maintain the battery's health and also have a convenient driving experience.

Generally speaking, the maintenance cost is very small.

For Level 1 and 2 home chargers, the most maintenance you’ll typically need is an occasional quick check for any damage to the cables and plugs to ensure they’re in good working order. With everyday use, these chargers are designed to last years before they require servicing. If you experience any problems with your charging station, we recommend contacting your supplier.

For publicly accessible level 2 or 3 chargers, the required maintenance depends on their use and location. Cables, plugs, and the charger itself should be inspected regularly to check for any damage and ensure good operation. Touch screens, card or RFID readers, and software systems also need to be checked and updated regularly.

Generally, charger manufacturers offer extended warranties and service plans for a yearly fee, which includes preventative maintenance and quick repairs if something goes wrong. However, with new connectivity and modularity features built into modern chargers, problems can often be diagnosed remotely.

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) in the rain is generally safe, but there are several factors to consider:

1. Waterproof Chargers: Modern EV chargers, whether at home or in public, are designed to be waterproof.

2. Grounding and Protection: EV charging systems are equipped with multiple layers of protection. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are commonly used.

Estar EV chargers are equipped with multiple protective features such as water resistance and ground fault protection, so you can use them with complete peace of mind.

AC charging functions by employing the on-board AC-to-DC power converter that is attached to the EV battery for the purpose of charging the car. For the vehicle to be charged, AC EV chargers must be linked to a distribution board by means of an adapter. AC charging comes in two varieties, namely single-phase and three-phase, which offers a more cost-effective alternative.

Conversely, DC charging carries out the AC-to-DC power conversion outside of the EV. DC charging units are substantially larger as they contain an AC-DC power converter that is much larger than the one within your car. They provide a broader charging range and capacity, ranging from 20 kWh to 150 kWh. Moreover, DC charging times are notably quicker than those of AC charging, with DC charging leads directly interfacing with your battery.

All electric vehicles (EVs) have the ability to be charged using both single-phase and three-phase chargers. However, only specific EV models are able to make full use of the capacity offered by a three-phase charger.

Single-phase EVs are compatible with three-phase chargers. Nevertheless, they will charge at a slower pace compared to EVs that are designed for three-phase charging. Examples of such single-phase-oriented EVs include the BMW E-range and the Fiat 500E. On the other hand, there are EVs that can not only accept three-phase chargers but also utilise their full potential. For instance, the BYD Atto 3, Mercedes EQA, and Polestar 2 fall into this category.

Typical charging specifications are as follows: A 7kW single-phase charger with 32A per phase generally has an average charging time of 4-6 hours. A 22kW three-phase charger with 32A per phase typically has an average charging time of 2-3 hours.

Advantages of AC EV Charging:

1. Single - Phase AC EV Charging:

It is more cost-effective in comparison to three-phase charging.

It is well-suited for residential EV charging scenarios, such as in carports or garages.

2. Three-Phase EV Charging:

It is appropriate for commercial EV charging locations like commercial carparks and service stations.

3. It offers a quicker charging time.

It has a higher charging rate when contrasted with single-phase charging.

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a communication standard for EV charging stations and network software companies, allowing end-users and operators to access smart features on their EV charger through a user-friendly interface on a phone app or website.

1. OCPP Platform

The OCPP platform (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open-source communication protocol platform developed by the Open Charge Alliance, designed to enable interoperability between charging stations and management systems from different brands.

2. Key Features

Remote Monitoring: Enables real-time monitoring of charging station status, such as idle, charging, or faulty.

Charging Control: Allows remote activation/termination of charging sessions and adjustment of parameters like charging power.

Billing & Payments: Accurately records charging duration and energy consumption, calculates fees based on predefined rules, and supports multiple payment methods.

3. Advantages

Strong Interoperability: Charging stations and management systems from different manufacturers can work seamlessly together by adhering to the OCPP protocol.

Cost Reduction: Eliminates the need for charging infrastructure operators to develop separate management systems for each brand of charging station.

4. Use Cases

Widely adopted in public charging networks, commercial parking facilities, and corporate/industrial campus charging infrastructure.

When purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) charging cable, we need pay attention to the following key factors:

1. Charging Power & Speed

Vehicle Compatibility: Confirm the cable’s supported power (e.g., 3.5kW, 7kW, 11kW) matches your vehicle’s charging port specifications. Higher power enables faster charging.

Voltage & Current: Household sockets (220V/16A) typically support 3.5kW, while dedicated chargers can handle higher power (e.g., 380V/32A).

2. Charging Connector Type

Type 2 (EU standard), Type 1( J1772 ,USA standard) , GB/T(China standard) or Tesla standard. Choose the right charging type according to the EVs' type .

3. Safety Certifications

Mandatory Certification: for international markets, the TÜV Rheinland certification can better guarantee the quality and safety .

Protection Rating: For outdoor use, prioritize cables with IP65/IP67 ratings to avoid leakage risks in rainy or harsh environments.

4. Cable Material & Length

Material: Opt for high-temperature resistant, flame-retardant copper-core cables to prevent aging or short circuits.

Length: Recommended length is 5-10 meters (adjust based on parking scenarios). Excessively long cables may cause voltage drop.

Yes, you can. Because it is waterproof and rainproof, and you have the right to use it privately.

Yes, you do. The installation of the EV charger involves professional operations such as opening holes, connecting wires, routing wires, and setting the current. We strongly recommend that you have the charger installed by a professional electrician.

Depending on the product, ESTAR provides a warranty service ranging from 1 to 2 years. If you need a longer warranty, please communicate with our sales and service staff.

The load balancing solution for commercial charging piles refers to a series of technologies and strategies. When multiple charging piles are used simultaneously, it ensures that the power load can be reasonably distributed, avoiding the situation where some charging piles are overloaded while the utilization rate of other charging piles is insufficient. This is aimed at improving the efficiency and stability of the power system, and at the same time, ensuring the safe operation of the charging equipment.

Contact the local dealer of ESTAR or our service staff for timely assistance. The email address is contact@estar-charger.com.

As a subsidiary of Chaoxiang Investment, Estar is a professional team that is in charge of selling Chaoxiang's charging piles worldwide and offering after-sales services for them.Chaoxiang is the parent company of Estar, providing a complete set of production and technical support for Estar.

It may be due to foreign objects blocking the charging gun or the charging interface, or the interface being deformed. It is necessary to clean up the foreign objects and check and repair the deformed interface.

Check whether there are foreign objects in the charging gun and the vehicle socket, and clean them up in time. At the same time, confirm whether the charging gun is correctly inserted into the vehicle, and you can try to unplug and plug it again. Also, check whether the vehicle has functions such as scheduled charging or other functions that affect charging. After turning them off, try to start the charging again.

It may be due to unstable network signals, hardware failures of the charging pile, vehicle system failures, or abnormalities in the vehicle battery during the charging process. Check the network connection and try to reconnect; if it is determined that the charging pile or the vehicle is faulty, contact a professional for maintenance; if the battery is abnormal, it is necessary to check the battery status and deal with it.

First, check whether the charging pile and the vehicle have stopped charging, and confirm that the vehicle is in the unlocked state. Check whether the electronic lock in the vehicle seat has retracted. If it has not retracted, repeat the action of unlocking the vehicle again. If the charging gun still cannot be unplugged after the above operations, please contact the service personnel for guidance and handling, or use the vehicle emergency unlocking device to unplug the charging gun.

Check whether the air switch next to the charging pile, other air switches on the line, and the electricity meter have tripped or are in arrears. If the air switch has a tripping fault, please close the air switch while ensuring safety. If the electricity meter is in arrears, please recharge or renew the fee in time to ensure power supply.

Try to power off and restart the charging pile, and observe whether the fault light is eliminated. Check whether the emergency stop button of the charging pile has been pressed. If it has been pressed, please reset the emergency stop button. If it still cannot be eliminated, please contact a professional to maintain the equipment.

It may be that the charging pile or the charging line is leaking electricity, and it is necessary to check and repair the leakage point.

Contact the operator of the charging pile to solve the charging fee problem.

It is necessary to consider the visibility of the charging pile, the convenience of users, and the safety of parking, and select a reasonable installation location.

The power cord may be too short or too long. You can adjust the length of the power cord according to the actual situation, or use an extension cord to solve the problem of a too-short power cord.

During the installation of the charging pile, use appropriate screws and nuts for fixing to ensure the stability of the charging pile.

Check the plug and socket of the signal connection to ensure good contact and rule out faults in the signal line.

Regularly clean the charging pile and the charging port of the electric vehicle to prevent poor contact caused by the accumulation of dust and dirt. Regularly inspect the home charging pile. If any abnormalities are found, contact a professional in time for handling.

The power of slow charging is usually about 3kW, and it takes 8-12 hours for a full charge; the power of fast charging is usually between 30kW and 120kW, and charging for 30 minutes to one hour can obtain a relatively long driving range.

The charging fee for electric vehicles depends on the charging standard of the charging pile and the electricity price. Generally, public charging piles charge according to each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, and some regions also adopt a time-of-use electricity price strategy.

First, consider whether the installation space is sufficient. Second, pay attention to the power demand to ensure the charging efficiency. Finally, confirm the brand of the charging pile and the after-sales service.

You can look for public charging piles with multiple interface adaptations, or consult the customer service of the car brand to confirm the suitable model of the charging pile.