Probing Phase for Charging Compatibility

Overview

Some electric vehicles (EVs) require a minimum charging current of 14A to start charging. To ensure compatibility with all types of EVs, Alfen charging stations initiate every charging session with a probing phase. This phase determines the minimum charging current required by the connected vehicle.

How the probing phase works

When a vehicle is connected to the charging station:

1. The station begins by supplying the vehicle with a 14A charging current (1 or 3 phases, depending on the EV and power supply).
2. During this phase, other connected vehicles may receive less current or be charged alternately if the remaining charging current drops below 6A.

The probing phase lasts one minute, during which the software determines the vehicle's minimum charging current requirement.

Charging scenarios

Once the probing phase is complete, the following scenarios are possible:

1. Vehicle Requires 14A Charging Current

   • The charging station maintains a minimum current of 14A for the connected vehicle.
   • The remaining current is distributed across other sockets in use (e.g., on a double-socket charging station or SCN).

2. Vehicle Requires 6A Charging Current (per IEC 61851 standard)

   • The charging station adjusts the charging current to 6A or higher.
   • The available current is divided across the sockets in use.

Configuring the Probing Current

The probing current can be configured using:

1. ACE Service Installer
2. Back office system

Recommended Settings

• Default Probing Current: 14A (recommended by Alfen)
• Minimum Probing Current: 6A (required to ensure charging begins)

If the probing current is set to <14A:

• The probing phase will still occur.
• Vehicles requiring 14A as a minimum charging current will not be detected.
• If the available charging current is <14A, those vehicles will be unable to charge.