Índice
What is fast and ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles?
Fast charging — also known as DC (direct current) fast charging — is a method that allows you to recharge an electric vehicle's battery far more quickly than slow or semi-fast charging.
Think about how you use your car. Do you mainly drive around the city, or do you regularly take long trips? Slow charging, which is best suited to home use, can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours to fully charge a battery. Semi-fast charging — typically found in car parks and shopping centres — brings that down to 1–4 hours. But when you need a quick boost of range, fast charging is your best ally, taking a battery from 20% to 80% in as little as 20–30 minutes.
If we take things a step further, we enter the realm of cutting-edge technology. Ultra-fast charging sits at the very top of the electric mobility landscape, delivering significantly higher power outputs than standard fast charging. Ultra-fast charging ranges from 150 kW to 350 kW, representing a true revolution in the world of EV charging.
The Iberian Peninsula is currently seeing the development of its largest-ever electric mobility ecosystem, with ultra-fast chargers being rolled out across a growing number of service stations. At Moeve, we're at the forefront of this technology. With a power output of 300 kW, we offer a fast, comfortable and safe charging stop — taking a 40 kWh battery from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes — so you can get back on the road without the wait.
How does fast and ultra-fast charging work?
The key to fast and ultra-fast charging lies in the type of current used. Electric vehicle batteries store energy as direct current (DC). Slow and semi-fast chargers use alternating current (AC), which the vehicle must convert to DC internally — and that conversion process limits charging speed. Fast and ultra-fast chargers, on the other hand, supply DC directly, delivering energy straight to the battery without going through the car's onboard converter.
Fast chargers typically use connectors such as CCS (Combined Charging System) — the standard in Europe and North America — or CHAdeMO, which is more common in Japanese vehicles. Ultra-fast chargers use the CCS2 standard. Always make sure the charger is compatible with your vehicle. Not sure which type of charger you need? Check out our article on electric vehicle charger types.
Charging times: how long does it take to charge an electric car?
Fast charging times depend on the charger's power output (kW), the battery's capacity (kWh), and its current state of charge. As a general rule, batteries charge faster when they are low or at a mid-level charge.
For example, a car with a 40 kWh battery can go from 20% to 80% in around 20 minutes with a 100 kW charger, or in approximately 40 minutes with a 50 kW charger.
As for ultra-fast charging, we've already outlined the figures in the context of a Moeve Service Station: from 20% to 80% on a 40 kWh battery in just 20 minutes.
The cost of fast and ultra-fast charging: is it more expensive than other options?
Fast and ultra-fast charging may be the quickest options available, but they do tend to come at a higher cost per kWh than other alternatives. Prices vary depending on the provider, location and power output, typically ranging from €0.40/kWh to €0.79/kWh at public charging points. Bear in mind that these are indicative figures and may vary. Charging 24 kWh (from 20% to 80% on a 40 kWh battery) would therefore cost somewhere between €9.60 and €19.
At Moeve, we offer a straightforward single rate for ultra-fast charging. You can also take advantage of savings programmes like Moeve gow, which allow you to build up credit and access exclusive discounts on your EV charging.
For comparison, charging at home during off-peak hours (typically between €0.05/kWh and €0.20/kWh) would bring the cost of those same 24 kWh down to between €1.20 and €4.80. Home charging is slower, but considerably cheaper. Ultimately, it comes down to what matters more to you in any given moment: speed or savings.
Best practices for getting the most out of fast and ultra-fast charging
Fast and ultra-fast charging is a great tool to have in your arsenal — but it shouldn't be your only method of charging. Using it too frequently can take a toll on your battery over time. Reserve it for long trips or situations where you genuinely need a quick top-up. For day-to-day charging, slow or semi-fast charging at home is the smarter choice.
To keep your battery in good shape, try to avoid regularly charging to 100% and never let it run completely flat. Keeping the charge level between 20% and 80% is the sweet spot for long-term battery health.
Frequently asked questions about fast and ultra-fast charging
Here are answers to the most common questions about fast charging for electric vehicles.
Does fast and ultra-fast charging damage the battery?
Fast and ultra-fast charging are incredibly useful tools for EV drivers, but relying on them too heavily can shorten your battery's lifespan over time. The high power levels involved generate more heat, which can speed up the degradation of battery cells. To keep your battery in the best possible condition, it's best to use fast and ultra-fast charging only when necessary, such as on long journeys, and stick to slow or semi-fast charging for your everyday needs.
Are all fast-charging stations compatible with my car?
Not all fast or ultra-fast charging stations are compatible with every electric vehicle. Different fast-charging standards exist — CCS, used by the majority of European and American manufacturers; CCS2, used for ultra-fast charging; and CHAdeMO, which is more common in Japanese models. Before plugging in at a fast-charging station, always check that the connector type and power output are compatible with your vehicle. Consult your car's manual or use a mobile app to find compatible charging points near you.