MOON Charging stations
Easily available charging points for electric vehicles are elementary. MOON's portfolio includes a wide range of products to meet the most diverse requirements.
Bus & Truck Charging
We supply high-performance charging infrastructures for e-trucks and e-buses. From consulting and planning to turnkey installation.
Future-proof, efficient and perfectly tailored to your requirements.
A full load of knowledge: The little ABC guide to e-mobility
Charging electric vehicles is accompanied by many abbreviations and special terms. We have compiled the most important ones here to help you find your way around the world of e-mobility.
AC
AC stands for alternating current and is the abbreviation for charging with alternating current. This is the slower version of charging.
DC
DC stands for direct current, i.e. charging with direct current. DC charging is the fast version of charging.
HPC
HPC stands for High Power Charging and is therefore part of fast charging and DC technology.
CPO
CPO stands for Charge Point Operator – a company that is responsible for the technical operation of a charging network.
CSO
CSO stands for Charging Station Owner and is the owner of a charging station. Often, a CSO is also a CPO.
eMSP
eMSP is the abbreviation for e-Mobility Service Provider and refers to providers of mobility services (= charging station use).
CPMS
CPMS (= Charge Point Management System) enables specialists to insight, manage and troubleshoot remotely.
Roaming
Roaming makes it possible to utilise a network of charging offers in relation to charging stations with a charging account.
AC vs. DC
The difference between AC and DC charging is the speed. Electric vehicle batteries require direct current (DC). When charging with alternating current (AC), the current must first be converted in the vehicle. With DC charging, the conversion takes place in the charging station.
- AC or DC? The conversion in the vehicle makes the time difference
- Conversion during AC charging takes place via on-board charger (OBC)
- Charging power over 50 kW counts as fast charging (up to 400 kW possible)
AC – at home or at work
Wallboxes are often used for AC charging, which are compact and easy to install – whether at home or at the company site. Charging works without any installation with a mobile solution, for example the POWER2Go charging cable with an output of up to 22 kW.
DC – recharge your batteries on the go
For people who travel frequently and longer distances by e-car, charging must be fast. This is where DC technology is crucial. The charging station converts into DC electricity particularly quickly and also benefits from higher grid connections.
- Depending on the battery capacity, charging from 20 to 80 % possible in 30 to 60 minutes
- Speed depends on available charging power
- Temperature and grid connection also decisive
Important plug types in Europe
The types of plugs are also relevant for an efficient charging infrastructure. In Europe, Type 2 and CCS2 (Combined Charging System) plugs are particularly common. Both are central to the European charging infrastructure and make a significant contribution to the promotion of e-mobility.
- Type 2 plug: European standard for AC charging and most electric cars
- CCS2 plug: for high-power DC charging, especially at fast-charging stations
AC and DC charging in comparison
Charging with alternating current or direct current differs in speed, but also in charging behaviour. We have compared the charging speed and charging curve for AC and DC charging here.
*The charging times given are simplified example calculations based on common e-vehicles. In practice, the charging process does not follow a linear curve - similar to charging a smartphone. Especially with fast charging, the charging power decreases with increasing charge level, so it often makes more sense to charge only up to about 80% on long distances to save time. In addition, various factors influence the actual charging time, including outside temperature, battery temperature, charging power of the vehicle, size of the battery and thermal management. These figures therefore only serve as a guideline for orientation. The DC figures are based on a more conservative estimate and take into account a flatter charging curve. In reality, it is rare for a vehicle to charge constantly at the maximum DC power. Especially in the upper SOC range (from 60-70%), the charging power often drops significantly.
FAQs
AC charging systems supply alternating current (AC), which is converted into direct current (DC) in the vehicle by the integrated charger, the on-board charger (OBC). This is because the batteries of electric cars require DC power. This conversion in the OBC results in lower charging speeds compared to DC charging stations, but is more battery-friendly and ideal for use in the private, semi-public and public sectors.
Unlike AC charging, DC charging systems deliver direct current directly to the battery of an electric vehicle. This bypasses the conversion by the vehicle charger. This enables significantly higher charging speeds.
Most electric vehicles are compatible, as DC charging stations support common standards such as CCS2, CHAdeMO or CCS1. New vehicles in the European Union must meet the CCS2 standard, which makes the charging issue even easier.
Charging power (expressed in kW) is a determining factor in the speed at which a vehicle can be charged. Higher charging capacities reduce charging times and are therefore an important step on the way to the mass suitability of electromobility.
Our POWER Charger has various safety mechanisms to protect both the vehicle and the device. These can intervene at any time in the event of misconduct. The entire system has also been tested by TÜV Süd.
How do I find the right charging solution?
You want to know which charging solution meets your requirements? Our product finder will help you quickly and easily filter out suitable options.