FAQs
What do you want to know? Here you will find all the important questions and answers.
E-car
BEV stands for battery electric vehicle, an electric vehicle that is powered exclusively by a battery and does not produce any exhaust fumes. Hybrid vehicles do not fall under this category.
For reliable and comfortable use of an electric car or plug-in hybrid, a suitable charging option is required. The possibilities range from mobile charging cables (e.g. our POWER2Go) to permanently installed wallboxes and large fast-charging stations. A combination with photovoltaics and storage solutions can make charging even more sustainable and cost-efficient.
An electric car is environmentally friendly because it can drive up to 100% emission-free - depending on the source of the charged electricity. It is cost-efficient due to subsidies, low taxes or insurance amounts and the possible savings through cheap charging. It offers quiet and pleasant driving comfort and helps us become independent of fossil fuels.
The charging power of an electric vehicle is determined by the so-called on-board charger (OBC) and can vary. On the AC side, the maximum charging power is 22 kW, while on the DC side, up to 300 kW can be achieved (and the trend is rising). The higher the charging power, the faster the vehicle charges.
Charging time is the time it takes to charge the battery. It depends on the charging power and the battery capacity (e.g. charging time (h) = battery capacity (35.8 kWh) / charging power (7.2 kW)).
The range indicates how far the vehicle can travel with a full battery. It is determined by energy consumption. (e.g. range (km) = battery capacity (35.8 kWh) / energy consumption (12.7 kWh / 100 km) * 100).
Actual charging time and range may vary depending on driving behavior, outside temperature, and other factors.
If the electric car is charged with 11 kW via AC current, the charging process takes about 4 to 8 hours. If, on the other hand, the charging process is carried out with DC current (fast charger), the car can be fully charged after just 15 to 60 minutes. The charging time depends on the charging power and the battery size.
E-cars have a longer lifespan than combustion engines because they have fewer moving parts and therefore need less maintenance. The battery, an important component, usually has a lifespan of 8 to 15 years. However, the way you use it affects battery life, as frequent full discharge and recharging can shorten it.
No, electric cars are not more dangerous than combustion engines in the event of accidents. They undergo the same crash tests and have safety mechanisms that interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of an accident. Battery fires are very rare, but more difficult to extinguish than traditional vehicle fires. Overall, e-cars offer a high safety standard.
Electromobility in general & charging
MOON is your contact for all topics related to e-mobility. For example, we will inform you in our online consultation or you can send us an inquiry via our consultation form. We will then contact you as soon as possible.
A electric car can be charged at a high-voltage socket (with a mobile charging cable), a wallbox or charging station with alternating current (AC) or at a fast charging station with direct current (DC). Public charging stations (AC or DC), for example, can be found via our charging station map or are displayed via the e-Charge app.
A wallbox is a (rather small) charging station that is mounted on a wall and, depending on the model, can charge with up to 22 kW (AC). Wallboxes are usually used in the private or semi-public sector. Semi-public are, for example, charging points that belong to a company that also allows charging for external people.
Yes, as long as it has load management or a suitable interface to the inverter. This way the solar power generated can be used directly to charge the electric vehicle. This enables an efficient and sustainable energy supply. The combination with a battery storage is ideal, because excess solar power can be stored and later used for charging.
In Europe, the following two are the most important types of plugs for electric cars:
1. Type 2 (Mennekes): A plug type for alternating current or AC charging, which is standard in Europe. It is used for normal charging at wallboxes and public charging stations.
2. CCS (Combined Charging System): This is an extension of the Type 2 plug with additional pins for DC fast charging. CCS has been the preferred standard for fast charging stations in Europe since it gradually replaced the CHAdeMO standard present in the Asian region.
Public charging stations are listed in corresponding apps and navigation systems and can be easily found through them. Many electric cars also have integrated route planners for public charging options.
There are different ways to start a charging process at a charging station. This usually works with a charging card (RFID card), via an app of the operator or via QR code directly at the charging station. If the charging station is equipped with Plug & Charge, all you have to do is plug in the vehicle. Communication then runs directly between the vehicle and the charging station.
Yes, many companies opt for wallboxes or fast-charging stations at their parking lots to charge employees' company vehicles or private electric cars. MOON offers various solutions for cost-effectively charging company cars either at home, in the company parking lot, or at publicly accessible charging stations. Our systems make it possible to efficiently control charging processes and optimize cost accounting. In addition, we have variable installation options, so that there is a suitable solution for every location.
Charging in compliance with calibration law means that public charging stations accurately measure the amount of electricity charged and bill it correctly. Since 2019, all public charging stations in the EU have to meet these requirements. This ensures that only the amount of electricity actually charged is calculated and that no manipulation is possible.
A distinction is made between AC charging (alternating current), which enables charging capacities of up to 22 kW, and DC charging (direct current), which offers charging capacities from 50 kW. DC charging is faster, which is ideal for on the go or for logistics operations, for example. AC charging takes longer (e.g. overnight or at the company site during working hours), but is gentler on the battery.
Charging with alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)
Charging power (expressed in kW) is a determining factor in the speed at which a vehicle can be charged. The higher the charging power, the shorter the charging time. This is an important step on the way to mass suitability for electromobility.
The charging capacities of electric vehicles are reaching increasingly higher values. Currently, vehicles with a charging capacity of over 300 kW are already available on the market. A correspondingly powerful charging station therefore makes sense.
AC charging systems provide alternating current (AC), which is converted into the required direct current (DC) in the vehicle by the integrated charger, the on-board charger, to charge the battery. This results in slower charging speeds compared to DC charging stations, but is more battery-friendly and ideal for use in private, semi-public and public areas.
Charging stations work with either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Direct current (DC) charging stations supply the power directly to the battery of an electric vehicle, so there is no need for conversion by the charger and charging is much faster.
Usually, AC charging stations support the Type 2 standard, which is widely used in Europe. All common electric vehicles can be charged with it, regardless of whether they are plug-in hybrids or pure electric vehicles.
The charging power measured in kW determines how quickly the vehicle can be charged, apart from the limitations of the vehicle and the available electricity. AC charging stations can achieve a maximum charging power of 22 kW and thus cover the needs of most vehicles in the AC charging range. All charging speeds above that fall under the DC charging category.
Most electric vehicles are compatible, as DC charging stations support common standards such as CCS2, CHAdeMO or CCS1. New vehicles in the EU must also meet the CCS2 standard.
Costs
In general, the answer to this question is yes: electric vehicles usually have lower operating costs due to the cheaper fuel per kilometre. In addition, motor vehicle tax and often emission taxes are waived. Maintenance costs are also often lower because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts. And there are subsidies that support the purchase and operation of electric vehicles.
Yes, you can save costs with self-generated solar power. If you have a photovoltaic system, you can use the generated electricity to charge your electric car instead of drawing electricity from the grid. This significantly reduces your electricity costs. There are also subsidies for the installation of solar systems. In combination with an electric car, this can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
Energy Management System (EMS System)
An EMS controls and optimizes energy flows by intelligently linking PV systems, storage systems and the power grid. It distributes energy efficiently, stores surpluses and regulates self-consumption.
A EMS reduces electricity costs, increases the use of self-generated energy and reduces grid consumption. It makes you less dependent on external electricity providers, saves CO₂ and improves the efficiency of the entire system.
For companies and commercial facilities with charging infrastructure, PV, storage and/or heat pumps. It optimizes energy flows, saves costs and increases sustainability.
The OptiMOON Controller is the central control unit of the EMS that monitors and optimizes all connected devices.
optiMOON can support more than 250 devices from over 50 brands.
Yes, the optiMOON Gateway enables devices that use outdated communication protocols to be connected via modern network technologies.
B-MoRe Backend System for billing Charging Processes
The charging station communicates with our B-MoRe charging point management via a SIM card. There, charging cards and tariffs can be managed centrally.
We offer different options for service packages, depending on whether charging stations are to be used for company vehicles, employees' private vehicles or for public use, or whether charging options are to be used on the go.
Our software is compatible with almost all manufacturers. The prerequisite is that OCPP 1.6 is implemented. In case of doubt, we can check this concretely.
Our billing system is compatible with most charging cards and our partner network is constantly expanding. Our contact persons can provide details.
Simply send an e-mail to [email protected] or request advice via our form below. We provide information about the individual steps and initiate everything necessary.
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) is a technology for contactless identification by chip or card. Charging stations use RFID to provide access to authorized users and to securely start, stop and bill charging. For example, employees or customers can simply charge with an RFID card without the need for an app or manual activation.
Which RFID cards work at a charging station depends on the respective manufacturer and model of the charger. Some charging stations are open to different RFID standards, while others only support specific cards.
However, we offer our own RFID management via our MOON B-MoRe backend. This means that we issue charging cards that are registered, managed and billed through our system. Users of our charging cards benefit from simple management and transparent billing via our backend.
Photovoltaics
A photovoltaic system converts sunlight into electricity with the help of solar cells. The electricity generated in this way can be used directly in the household or for an e-car charging point, stored in an electricity storage system or fed into the public grid.
Having your own photovoltaic system has numerous advantages:
- It saves electricity costs because less (or no) electricity has to be purchased from an external grid operator.
- It thus makes you less dependent on energy suppliers and rising fuel prices.
- It reduces CO2 emissions and contributes to climate protection.
- Government subsidies can reduce the acquisition costs.
- The maintenance effort is very low, as solar modules are durable, powerful and robust.
A typical 10 kWp system produces about 8,000-12,000 kWh of electricity annually. The exact amount depends on location, orientation and weather conditions - and of course on the actual size of the plant.
Usually one to three days, depending on the size of the system, the roof condition and whether additional work such as the installation of a storage tank is necessary or planned.
A electricity storage is not absolutely necessary, but it definitely makes sense. It makes it possible to store and use surplus solar power when the sun is not shining. This increases the company's own contribution and independence from the power grid.
In most cases, a PV system pays for itself within eight to 15 years. The exact time depends on the acquisition costs, subsidies, feed-in tariffs and self-consumption.
Solar modules have a lifespan of at least 25 years, often longer. Inverters usually have to be replaced after about ten to 15 years.
Yes, this is possible and particularly cost-efficient. The self-generated electricity can be used directly to charge the electric car, which reduces charging costs and improves the CO₂ balance.