Category: E-mobility

The evolution of the electric vehicle charging network in Italy has undergone significant development in recent years, reflecting an increasing commitment to promoting sustainable mobility in the country. In fact, the most recent data, updated to December 31, 2023 (Motus-E Report), reflect a constantly evolving landscape, characterized by significant progress in the development of the charging infrastructure in Italy.

 

Growth of charging points in Italy

One of the key indicators of this progress is the number of public charging points, which has exponentially increased. In Italy, according to Motus-E data updated to December 2023, the number of public charging points has passed the 50,000 mark, an increase of 38% over the previous year: an important sign of growth and a network that already allows e-drivers to recharge during their daily travels and commutes.

 

Power and Speed: two key elements

In addition to diffusion, network development in Italy is also based on the quality and efficiency of charging points. During 2023, more than 3,000 new DC charging points were installed, including about 1,400 ultra-fast ones. This trend indicates a clear commitment of the Charging Point Operators (CPOs)-such as Ewiva-to faster, higher-performance charging solutions, which are key to eliminating barriers related to range anxiety and providing a more comfortable and accessible experience for all e-drivers.

 

Geographical distribution and in cities

The geographical distribution of charging points plays a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of the network. In terms of the number of charging points, Rome (3,588 charging points), Milan (2,883) and Naples (2,652) lead the ranking but, in the last year, a more uniform development can be observed throughout the national territory: looking at the distribution by macro-areas, in fact, the recovery of installations in the South and Islands continues, where 23% of the total number of charging points present in the Peninsula is now concentrated, compared to 19% in the Center and 58% in Northern Italy. If we consider the number of charging points per km² of surface area, moreover, we can see that the ranking reverses, placing Naples in the lead with 225 points per 100 km², followed by Milan (183 points per 100 km²) and Rome (67 points per 100 km²). A widespread and capillary charging network is a key element to ensure along the whole country to fully benefit from the transition to electric mobility.

 

Italy in the European context

At the European level, Italy stands out as a major player in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, firmly placing itself among the top 5 countries in Europe in terms of network extension thanks to more than 50,000 installed charging points. However, what makes Italy even more competitive is its density of charging points relative to the number of electric vehicles in circulation, surpassing other countries such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom. This superiority translates into greater accessibility to charging, making it easier for EV drivers to find available charging points and reducing waiting times.

 

Future prospects and challenges ahead

Despite the significant progress made, there are still many challenges ahead for the electric mobility sector. A more even distribution of charging points throughout the country remains an important goal to achieve, as does increasing electric vehicle registrations to ensure more widespread use of the network. In addition, it is essential to continue investing in advanced and sustainable charging technologies to meet the growing needs and varied usage occasions of e-drivers.

 

Italy is distinguishing itself as a pioneer in the electrification of transportation, leading the transition to more sustainable and efficient mobility. Ewiva’s commitment to activating high-powered charging points in the most strategic places in our country, from North to South, – both in urban areas and along the main routes and extra-urban areas – contributes concretely to the achievement of these results, earning Italy a place among the European countries that are leading the development of electric mobility.

Driving an electric car opens up a world of advantages, which are not always well known: in addition to to a consisten saving on a financial perspective, such as exemption from paying road tax for the first 5 years or reduced maintenance costs, there are other several benefits that have a positive impact on e-drivers’ daily commute.

 

In fact, in many Italian cities, electric cars can have free and unrestricted access to Limited Traffic Zones (LTZ)-which are becoming more and more extensive in many municipalities-and in many cases e-drivers do not pay for parking on blue lines. Even from the perspective of traffic and parking, owning an electric car can therefore result in significant savings and several advantages. For example, in cities such as Milan, the daily ticket to enter Area C for nonresidents can cost €7.50, while daytime public pay parking can cost up to €3 per hour. In addition, in many cities, even if the LTZ is not chargeable, it is still forbidden to nonresidents and combustion vehicles for many hours.

 

The scenario, albeit with different declinations and rules, is replicated in almost every major city in Italy. You can consult the various directives, municipality by municipality on their respective sites for more info.

Below are some examples of the benefits of moving by electric vehicle valid to date for 12 of Italy’s major cities:

 

Bologna: Free parking on blue stripes and access to the LTZ.

Electric cars can park for free on the blue stripes and have free access to Bologna’s LTZ  after communicating the license plate.
(Environmental LTZ Measure, Jan. 26, 2024)

 

Cagliari – Free parking and access to the LTZ.

In the city of Cagliari, electric car owners can obtain a pass valid for free parking in parking lots and access to the LTZ.
(LTZ pass, August 1, 2023)

 

Catania – Free access to the LTZ and parking lots.

In Catania, electric cars can freely access the LTZ and enjoy free parking.
(Municipal Council Resolution No. 58, April 11, 2022)

 

Florence – Free access and parking in LTZ for 5 Years

In Florence, electric vehicles can obtain a free pass valid for free access and parking in LTZ for 5 years, avoiding annual renewal.
(Servizi alla Strada S.p.A., July 13, 2023)

 

Genoa – Annual badge for free access and parking in LTZ.

A free badge with annual validity is issued in Genoa for free access and parking in all the city’s LTZs.
(Genoa Parking, Aug. 7, 2019)

 

Milan – Free access to Area C and reserved parking.

In Milan, electric and hybrid cars can apply for a permit to park for free in both the yellow spaces reserved for residents and in the paid blue zones. In addition, entry into Area C is free for electric cars, providing significant savings for owners.
(Municipality of Milan, Aug. 27, 2023)

 

Messina – LTZ and free parking

Electric vehicles also enjoy significant benefits in Messina: they can circulate free of charge in the Limited Traffic Zone and park without paying in the designated public spaces, just by submitting an online application.
(ATM SpA, Oct. 17, 2023)

 

Naples – Awaiting the resolution for free access to the LTZ.

Facilities for electric cars in Naples are being evaluated. Until December 31, 2023, parking was free, but a City Council resolution is awaited to confirm LTZ and free parking concessions.
(City Council Resolution No. 44, Feb. 23, 2023)

 

Palermo – Registration required for free parking

In Palermo, owners of electric cars must register on the municipal white list to obtain the free pass that guarantees free parking on streets inside the LTZ.
(ZTL Pass, January 2024)

 

Reggio Calabria – 25 euro parking pass

In Reggio Calabria, owners of electric cars can obtain a free parking pass by paying a secretarial fee of 25 euros, offering a convenient option for sustainable mobility. The exemption, at the moment, is valid until March 31, 2024.
(City Council resolution, March 31, 2023)

 

Rome – free parking and access to the LTZ.

In the Capital, owners of electric cars can enjoy free parking and access to the LTZ, in addition to being able to circulate freely within all the city’s LTZ zones without the need for paper badges.
(Ordinance No. 76 of June 30, 2023, Oct. 31, 2023)

 

Turin – Free LTZ for electric cars.

In Turin, electric cars can have free access to the LTZ by paying only €16 stamp duty to apply. The permit is valid for 2 years. In addition, there is also limited access for electric vehicles that have not applied but can get an exemption afterwards.
(City Council Resolution of Act No. 637, Oct. 17, 2023)

 

Venice – Exemption from paid parking and access to the LTZ.

In Venice, electric cars are exempt from paying parking fees on the blue stripes and can freely access the LTZ.
(EDG Resolution No. 10, Oct. 12, 2023)

 

Choosing an electric car, then, not only represents an investment in the environment and the future, but also brings important economic and practical advantages. Ewiva is doing its part to make electric mobility in Italy increasingly accessible and user-friendly through the implementation of an increasingly widespread high-power charging network, with flexible solutions that can meet the needs of all e-drivers.

The current process of electrification of the automotive industry is leading to an increasing diffusion of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), attracting growing interest from potential customers and industry experts. A crucial aspect to consider when evaluating the affordability of electric cars compared to conventional cars is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes all costs associated with owning and using a vehicle over its lifetime. Let us then explore, in depth, the components of the TCO of electric cars and the key considerations to keep in mind.

 

Let’s start with the initial purchase cost: it is indeed common knowledge that, at least to date, electric cars tend to have a higher initial cost than conventional cars, mainly because of the high impact of the battery pack relative to the total cost of the car. However, the price gap separating electric cars from conventional cars is narrowing more and more, thanks to a steady improvement in battery range and the imminent entry of new economical electric car models on the market. In fact, over the past decade, the cost of lithium-ion batteries per unit of energy has been reduced about tenfold and is steadily declining.

 

Not only that, new battery technologies in addition to lithium-ion are mature or are at an advanced level of development for adoption by car manufacturers and will help to further reduce the cost of the battery component in the coming years, as well as to ensure increasing performance and range.

In addition, eco-incentives made available by the government for the purchase of electric cars can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing the vehicle and make the initial investment more affordable, improving the overall TCO.

Another crucial aspect to consider is fuel or energy costs: indeed, electric cars are distinguished by their remarkable efficiency in energy use.Thanks to their ability to optimize the management and use of the electric charge stored in the battery, electric cars use, on a ratio basis, much less energy than traditional cars to travel the same distance: about three times less! This, combined with the lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline or diesel, helps to further reduce the operating costs of electric cars.

 

Maintenance and service is another factor to consider when talking about the Total Cost of Ownership of electric cars. These, in fact, have significantly lower maintenance costs and generally require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because they have fewer wear and tear components, such as the internal combustion engine, oil change, air filters or spark plugs. In addition, regenerative braking contributes to less wear and tear on discs and pads, further reducing maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

Then there is the myth that the battery may need to be replaced during the vehicle’s useful life.In fact, the battery is guaranteed by most manufacturers for at least 8 years and still retains, at the end of the vehicle’s useful life, an important energy storage capacity, so much so that there is the possibility of giving the battery a “second life” by taking it out of the vehicle and adapting it for uses such as residential or industrial, for further years of operation. At the end of this further period it is then finally possible to recycle the materials that compose it, which are useful for producing new batteries, closing the circle of a virtuous circular economy.

 

Insurance costs are another aspect to consider, as they are lower for electric cars than for conventional cars.

This is because, being fundamentally less complex than traditional cars and having fewer mechanical components, electric cars are less prone to wear and tear, deterioration, technical failures and, consequently, accidents.

 

Finally, depreciation must also be taken into account: although the market for used electric cars is still evolving, there has been an emerging trend lately toward better value retention than traditional cars. This is influenced by the evolution of battery technology and the growing demand for electric vehicles.

 

In conclusion, it is important to note that the Total Cost of Ownership of electric cars can vary depending on a number of factors, such as energy costs (whether it is mainly recharged at home or at the workplace or thanks to public charging stations), annual mileage driven, purchase incentives, and conditions of use, but, making a comparison over the long term with a conventional car with comparable characteristics, an electric car results in significant savings for many use cases overall.

Winter, due to low temperatures and recurring bad weather, it’s the most critical season when travelling by car for daily commutes or long trips. For all electric car owners, it is critical to prepare as well as possible to face the cold season while maximizing efficiency and comfort when both driving and charging.

For a safe and enjoyable travel experience, it is important to follow the essential tips listed in this article.

 

 

Warm up the car before use

 

A common concern for everyone who drives electric cars during the winter is the time it takes to warm up the passenger compartment. One solution to warm up the car quickly, while saving energy at the same time, could be to park it in a garage or cover it with a thermal tarp; these solutions, in addition to increasing comfort for passengers and the driver, could help preserve the energy stored in the battery for longer.

 

 

Maximizing battery performance

 

Battery health is crucial to the optimal operation of an electric car. During the winter, it is important to avoid letting the battery’s charge drop below 20 percent to preserve its long-term health. In fact, performing many charge-discharge cycles can cause premature battery degradation, reducing the overall range of the vehicle; keeping the battery in an optimal state not only ensures better performance, but also contributes to greater reliability during the colder months.

 

 

Managing charging times in winter

 

Low temperatures can affect electric car charging times; however, there are some tricks that can help optimize this process. Preheating the car before plugging it into the connector can reduce the overall charging time, as a pre-heated battery accepts a charge faster. In addition, many electric vehicles are equipped with heat management systems that automatically adjust battery temperature to ensure optimal efficiency even in extreme weather conditions. These systems protect the battery and help maintain high performance even during winter.

 

 

Plan your itinerary carefully

 

To avoid surprises and reach your destination without worries, it is essential to plan your itinerary carefully, scheduling the stops you need to make to recharge your electric car. For optimal trip planning, it is advisable to use the app of your MSP of choice, or navigation services or apps, identifying available charging stations along the route and scheduling any stops. To avoid surprises, it is important to take into account adverse weather conditions or otherwise unforeseen events that can always occur during long trips, regardless of the type of car you drive.

 

 

In conclusion, although winter itself can be a critical season when traveling, just consider some simple cautions and tips such as those listed in this article. In fact, with proper preparation and by carefully planning your travels, you can deal with low temperatures while minimizing risks and instead maximizing the comfort and efficiency of your electric car even in the coldest months.

Electric cars are a viable alternative to endothermic cars from an environmental point of view because they pollute less than conventional internal combustion cars, helping to preserve air quality and reducing environmental impact.

 

But the benefits are not only environmental, as electric cars offer significant economic advantages to those who buy them: the first of which is the exemption from paying car tax for at least 5 years. This benefit represents significant savings for those who choose to purchase an electric vehicle, being able to enjoy a zero-emission car without incurring additional costs associated with vehicle ownership.

 

Car tax breaks represent a significant advantage for electric cars over combustion cars, such as those powered by gasoline or diesel, in many regions of Italy. For example, in Piedmont, electric cars are permanently exempt from paying the road tax, while hybrid cars enjoy a time-limited exemption; in contrast, gasoline- or diesel-powered cars must submit to standard rates. In Lombardy, electric, hydrogen, natural gas, and LPG cars are permanently exempt from paying the stamp duty, while gasoline hybrid cars benefit from a 50 percent reduction in the first five years.

 

This scenario is repeated in many regions, with permanent or long-term exemptions for electric cars and limited incentives for hybrid cars, while endothermic cars are often subject to standard rates or only temporary reductions. These tax policies support users in the transition to zero-emission vehicles, which, in the face of a higher initial cost to date on average, result in significant savings in the long run.

 

If we compare the stamp duty cost of an electric car with that of a traditional gasoline car, the annual savings provided by the former is considerable, since the electric car is completely exempt from paying the stamp duty. On the contrary, standard rates are applied to the gasoline car, with an annual cost that depends on the power of the vehicle (about 3€/kW) and the region of residence, but on average in Italy is around 300/400€ for an average car, highlighting a significant financial advantage for electric car owners.

 

Stamp duty exemption adds to the many good reasons to consider buying an electric car in Italy. The savings in the medium to long term are significant, but since policies on car tax stamps can vary, it is good to keep abreast of regulatory changes by relying on official sources and regional agencies to be sure of the concessions available in your area. In fact, after the first 5 years of exemption have passed, individual regions may adopt different measures. For example, Val d’Aosta goes to an additional 8 years of vignette exemption, followed by Campania with 7 and Marche and Puglia with 6. Instead, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Sicily have rescheduled the stamp duty exemption for electric cars to three years (Source ACI).

 

In conclusion, the stamp duty exemption for electric cars is a major benefit for those who choose to travel electric already. So the wallet is also #HappyToEmove!

The fear of running out of power in one’s electric car without the ability to recharge is a ghost of the past. That’s why today’s e-drivers have nothing to fear.

 

Range anxiety, or range anxiety, is a concept used in the field of e-mobility to describe the feeling of worry or fear of running out of power during a trip by constantly having to keep an eye on the range of the vehicle’s battery or the availability of charging infrastructure along one’s route. In other words, it is the fear of not being able to reach the destination and not finding charging points along the way, with the risk of being stranded with the car running out of power. This concern stems from the early stages of the spread of electric mobility, when the technological development of cars was not at the level of today’s cars and the charging network in Italy was not as extensive and widespread as it is today.

 

A widespread and widespread network

 

Data from the last three years on the charging infrastructure in Italy show a sector that continues to expand: according to Motus-E data updated to June 30, 2023, charging points have increased by 216 percent to 45,210, and of these as many as 3,045 are ultra-fast charging points. Also on the rise is the figure for highway charging stations, where one in four service areas is equipped with electric vehicle charging points to support e-drivers even on long trips. Numbers that show a clear and steady expansion of the public charging network, which continues to grow enabling the development of the electric market and making the choice to travel electric increasingly easy and comfortable.

 

As part of the crucial expansion of the charging infrastructure in Italy, both in urban streets and along highways, the emergence of an ultra-fast network is proving to be crucial. In this segment, Ewiva has become a key player in the change, making an essential contribution to the country in establishing the most extensive and widespread ultra-fast network in Italy.

 

Moreover, with Ewiva, the charging paradigm changes: our stations are strategically placed along main arteries or in places that nearby provide services (e.g., bars, restaurants, businesses, supermarkets) and places of interest (e.g., tourist attractions). This strategy provides e-drivers with the peace of mind that they can tackle their daily electric travels and commutes without worries related to autonomy, knowing that they can count on stations placed in key locations that allow them to make the most of the time spent charging thanks to different Ewiva solutions.

 

Technology for an increasingly accessible and 100% green network

The Ewiva network is also constantly evolving to serve its users with an increasingly easy and accessible experience for all. That’s why, in addition to being able to recharge on the Ewiva network via apps or RFID cards from the more than 50 interoperable charging service providers, charging becomes even easier thanks to Plug & Charge technology, which is available for the first time in a widespread way on the high-power charging network: if the vehicle supports the feature, simply connect it to the Ewiva station and charging starts on its own, without the need for additional steps or authentication. In addition, after the pilot project started on 6 Ewiva stations, the possibility of paying for charging by card via the contactless method, without apps or cards, will be further extended in the coming months.

 

Finally, it is important to note that Ewiva puts its technology at the service of the environment. The entire infrastructure is powered by 100 percent renewable energy for zero-emission electric mobility. This not only helps to further limit the environmental impact of our travel, but also positively impacts the creation of a sustainable lifestyle.

 

In conclusion, range anxiety is now an outdated concept for e-drivers going electric in Italy. However, for those who want additional peace of mind during their electric travels, there are some practices and tools that can make the experience even more serene.

 

Current mid-range cars boast ranges of about 400-500 km, providing ample coverage for most trips. In addition, it is always advisable to rely on the car’s in-car navigator: based on driving style and route, it automatically adapts by indicating the remaining range by suggesting charging stations along the way. In addition, the apps made available by MSPs are a valuable ally, allowing not only to locate charging stations, but often also to schedule the entire trip and the necessary stops.

 

For those who prefer even more detailed planning, especially useful for long trips, several “trip planner” applications are now available on the market that allow planning optimal stops along the way. And in addition to in-car navigators, online map services (e.g., Google Maps) now also clearly indicate public charging stations along the route.

 

If any doubt still arises, a recommended practice is to schedule short stops, keeping the car’s battery in a safe range of 20 percent to 80 percent. This not only ensures longer battery life over time, but also provides greater peace of mind during the trip.

 

So, e-drivers, enjoy your electric adventure worry-free knowing that you can always count on Ewiva’s ultra-fast network. Have a great trip!

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a technology that transforms electric cars into useful “actors” for the stability of the electric system, enabling them to draw and return energy to the grid. Let’s find out how it works and the benefits to the user and the environment.

 

 

What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is an innovative technology that may lead to a revolution in the electric car industry. It is, in fact, a system that allows electric cars not only to take energy from the grid, but also to return it when needed to stabilize the entire system. This means that your electric car will no longer be just a vehicle, but can become a dynamic “actor” for the power grid.

 

 

How does V2G work?

V2G works through two-way communication between the vehicle and the power grid. During charging, the car stores energy drawn from the power grid in the battery pack. When the grid needs additional energy, the car can return some of this energy, thus helping to stabilize energy demand and contributing to the balance of the power grid.

 

 

Who can use V2G?

Toady, the deployment of V2G technology is still under development, and in order to use it electric cars must be compatible with the technology. Many major electric car manufacturers have already made the feature available on their electric vehicles, so some vehicles are already V2G-ready, while others may require an upgrade.

 

It is important to keep in mind that, to date, both the adoption of electric vehicles with V2G capability and the supporting infrastructure and regulation are still evolving. However, the opportunities and benefits that this technology will provide, when it becomes available and widely adopted, are significant.

 

It would indeed enable EV owners to use their vehicles’ batteries to store excess energy when it is not needed, reducing energy waste and helping to balance the power grid. This could lead to greater energy system efficiency and lower costs for consumers.

 

 

What advantages can V2G offer?

One of the main benefits of V2G is the ability to offer and feed energy to the grid when needed. This is done by storing energy and releasing it when needed on a Smart Grid, which is a smart power grid that uses technology to monitor and regulate the distribution of electricity in real time.

 

This will be able to optimize energy demand by taking it when it is needed, improving the reliability and management of the power grid. The benefits may also directly affect end consumers, as e-drivers will be able to be remunerated based on the time and amount of energy released, as is already the case, for example, for residential users who produce renewable energy (e.g., through photovoltaic panels) and feed it into the grid.

 

This technology promises more sustainable and affordable electric mobility for all. With further technological developments, appropriate regulation, and wider adoption, we could see a transformation in energy management and new development prospects for sustainable mobility.

 

 

Vehicle to Grid: dream or reality? The trial in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Trials of V2G technology have already started in various countries. Among the most recent, the Dutch city of Utrecht is conducting a collaborative experiment between We Drive Solar, Hyundai, Renault and MyWheels to develop two-way clean energy charging.

 

By connecting 300 of MyWheels’ cars to the grid, the city could have access to a large amount of energy, potentially useful for supporting the local electricity grid. This would make Utrecht the world’s first “two-way city.”

Plug&Charge has arrived on the Ewiva network – a system that allows all enabled cars to recharge quickly and easily without using apps or RFID cards.

 

What is Plug&Charge?

Plug&Charge is an innovative way of enjoying charging in all HPC – High Power Charging – Ewiva stations that allows e-drivers an even simpler and smarter charging. E-drivers who drive Plug&Charge-enabled electric cars will be able to recharge their cars without using cards or smartphones, simply by plugging the vehicle into the charger.

 

How does Plug&Charge work?

With the Plug&Charge system, recharging has never been easier: simply drive your car to an Ewiva station, unplug the connector from the column and plug it into your car. In a few seconds, charging starts automatically thanks to the “dialogue” between the column and the car.

 

To end charging, simply press “stop” on the display of the column, detach the connector from the car, put it back in its place, and you are good to go!

 

The operation is possible thanks to the ISO 15118 standard, which allows recognition between the power grid, the car and the profile associated with it, automatically activating the charging process without the need for further action.

 

 

Who can use Plug&Charge?

In order to use this charging option, you should make sure that your car supports the Plug&Charge function. This is a feature that is already supported by several cars and will be increasingly popular in the future. In addition, you need to enable geolocation and update your car’s software to the latest version.

 

It is also important that your personal account is set up on the vehicle app and that it is always up to date, especially for those users who have had an active offer for a long time. Finally, you should always check for your MSP (Mobility Service Providers) to be interoperable with Ewiva and Plug&Charge enabled.

 

Which vehicles support Plug&Charge?

Plug&Charge is available, to date, on Hyundai’s Kona Electric and IONIQ6 models, Mercedes‘ C-Class, S-Class, EQS and GLC vehicles, ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID. Buzz, ID. Buzz Cargo and Cupra Born from Volkswagen (for which an update to software version 3.1 is required), on Porsche Tycan, Audi‘s e-Tron series models, Skoda‘s Enyaq iV and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

 

Other manufacturers, such as KIA, BMW and Volvo, have announced the implementation of charging via Plug&Charge on future electric vehicle lines.

 

Why is Plug&Charge useful?

Thanks to Ewiva’s ultra-fast network, for the first time in Italy, Plug&Charge will be deployed nationwide and on a large scale.

 

Plug&Charge makes Ewiva’s ultra-fast network affordable for everyone, to make the infrastructure increasingly accessible to all e-drivers 24/7. That’s why Ewiva has committed to implement Plug&Charge in more than 280 ultra-fast charging stations, an open system that can be integrated by any automaker and any charging point operator, adaptable to all types of columns: both alternating charge and DC columns.

What are the different types of connectors for electric car charging and why Ewiva chose the CCS2 standard

 

One of Ewiva’s pillars is accessibility: we want to make the charging experience easy, fast, and intuitive for all e-drivers. That’s why all the columns in our charging infrastructure are equipped with the CCS type 2 connector, the European standard for ultra-fast direct current (DC) charging. In particular, the European AFID (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive) requires that, for interoperability purposes, connectors be equipped with the “Combo 2” charging system. So, Ewiva has chosen to align its infrastructure with European standards.

 

The CCS (Combined Charging System) type 2 consists of a single charging connector that allows both direct current (DC) fast charging and alternating current (AC) slow charging. Over the years, major automakers have adapted their vehicles to this type of connector, thus enabling e-drivers to access an ever-expanding charging network and accompanying the user to an increasingly easy charging experience.

 

What are the other charging sockets?

In addition to the CCS type 2 standard, there are other types of connectors for public charging stations: some are specifically for alternating current (AC) and others for direct current (DC). AC allows charging up to 43kW while DC allows a fast charging mode that can reach up to 350kW.

 

AC charging sockets can be:

– Type 1: this is a single-phase plug for American- or Asian-built vehicles and can support a charging power of 7.4kW,

– Type 2 or Mennekes: this is a triple-phase plug that can reach a power rating of 43kW.

 

For DC charging, in addition to the CCS type 2 socket, there is also the CHAdeMO type on the market: this is a connector for fast charging systems that is the Japanese standard and is widely used in some parts of the world. It allows two-way charging that touches 100 kW. Although the Ewiva standard, in line with what is required by European regulation, is the CCS type 2 connector, some stations have a CHAdeMO socket.

 

Let’s find out together how Ewiva seeks to make its ultrafast charging network increasingly accessible

 

Ewiva, the joint venture of Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group, has already created the largest ultrafast network in Italy, and works every day to make a reliable infrastructure available to all the e-drivers.

 

In particular, accessibility is one of Ewiva’s core values. The company aims to provide a public charging service open to any electric vehicle capable of fast charging and to all Italian and foreign providers of charging services. Our goal is to simplify life for e-drivers by providing them with a fast and intuitive charging experience: to make our infrastructure available to more and more e-drivers, we are constantly working on new interoperability agreements.

 

Interoperability, CPO and MSP
Interoperability is the ability of two or more systems, networks, applications or components to exchange information with each other and then be able to use it. In the world of electric car charging, this is achieved through Roaming, whereby different operators enter into commercial agreements and achieve integration of their platforms.

So, Charging Point Operators (CPOs) such as Ewiva, who are responsible for activating, installing and managing the charging infrastructure, sign agreements with Charging Service Providers (MSPs, or Mobility Service Providers) who, while not owning or managing their own infrastructure, offer the charging service to end users through apps or RFID cards.

 

Ewiva’s partners
To date, Ewiva has more than 50 charging partners, giving each e-driver the opportunity to freely choose the best solution and still be able to take advantage of our infrastructure. The MSP formulate the offers for electric charging by setting the €/kWh price and proposing solutions calculated on the consumption of a single recharge or in kWh package subscriptions.

 

On the About Us page of our website you can view all the partners with whom we have interoperability agreements. We are constantly working to expand our partner network and make our infrastructure more and more accessible.