We are all aware that our generation and future generations are directly impacted by the current ecological transition and that sustainable products are the key to significantly reducing our CO2 emissions. We can help the planet by changing our purchasing habits.
Charging equipment is a basic commodity for all-electric EVs and plug-in hybrids. So how can we choose a sustainable charging solution?
🌱 The right electric vehicle
Before discussing sustainable charging solutions, we need to take into account that purchasing the right EV for your personal usage is a key issue so that you can keep it for a long period of time - especially if you are considering charging it at home. Unlike buying an ICE vehicle, when you choose an EV, you need to take several factors into account to avoid being frustrated once it is delivered with an on-board charger that doesn’t match your set-up at home. A single-phase electrical installation does not offer the same power rating to charge your EV as a three-phase installation. That’s why we recommend that you look into your electrical installation at home and your electricity supply contract before purchasing an EV and a home-charging solution.
💡 Predicting the future of the constantly developing EV market is a challenging task, but at the current time, vehicles equipped with a Type 2 connector are the most common due to the standards imposed in Europe. You can also find new electric vehicles equipped with a Combo CCS Type 2 connector, which is compatible with rapid charging points.
By taking these factors into account, you will be able to choose an EV that you are perfectly happy with and matches your needs. And you will be able to keep it for a longer period of time.
🌱 Opting for a long-lasting charging solution that complies with the standards in force
Investing in a charging solution is heavy on the wallet and some people go for a cut-price charging solution. However, this may be detrimental for your electrical installation and your EV. In Britain, the organisation Electrical Safety First recently set up trials on products sold on Amazon and E-bay to check out whether they comply with electricity standards. This has resulted in the identification of a number of products that are either faulty or dangerous for home usage, in most cases presenting fire hazards.
To avoid such issues, we advise you to choose solutions that comply with the CE standard and the standards for charging electric vehicles. These vary according to the charging mode:
- Cables for electric power outlet, mobile charger and home charging station (mode 2 and mode 3): IEC-62196 and IEC-61851
- Cables for charging stations (mode 3): IEC-62196
In addition to compliance, you should also check out the quality of the materials used by the manufacturer as this determines the product’s lifespan. For a charging cable used on an everyday basis, it is essential to have a resistant cable that does not become porous or twisted over time. Otherwise, it will be faulty and difficult to handle.
Opting for a good length of cable can prolong its life and help you save money when you decide to move on to another EV! Depending on the EV model, the charging port where you plug in the charging cable is not necessarily located in the same place and so the cable length you need may vary. It is a good idea to plan ahead and go for a sufficiently long cable so that you can use it for many years whatever EV model you choose!
By choosing appropriate, high-quality products, you actually save money by keeping your charging equipment for a longer time span. Selecting a product that is manufactured locally is also a way of encouraging businesses and know-how in your area. 🇨🇵
🌱 Recycling charging solutions for EVs
If your charging equipment is in good working order but can no longer be used for reasons of incompatibility because you have switched over to a new EV or for any other reason, you can donate it or sell it to prolong its useful life.
However, if your charging equipment breaks down, you should know that only a few manufacturers actually offer a repair service. You can contact the manufacturer to find out if they offer this type of service.
🌎 Charging cables stamped with the Mister EV brand enjoy a repair service in France to prolong the lifespan of our products and so reduce their environmental impact.
Finally, if equipment cannot be repaired, look out for special reprocessing bins for waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) at your local recycling centre.
In short, you can reduce the environmental impact by purchasing locally produced, top-quality charging solutions that comply with the standards in force. You can extend the life of your equipment through selling or repairing it. If it no longer functions properly and cannot be repaired, take your equipment to a recycling centre to limit waste. ♻️
Please do not hesitate to share your ideas and tips with us on how to extend the life of your charging equipment. 😉
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