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GridCars

Email:	info@GridCars.net
Telephone:	(+27) 10 109 3344
Website:	www.gridcars.net

AION

AION Roadside Assistance:

010 001 8008
info@jhb101.co.za

FAQs

Charging

Q. How long does it take to fully charge a Car?

A. An installed wallbox, can charge at a rate of 32A, this means 7.4kW, so a 30kWh battery would take 4-5 hours and a 90kWh Battery would take about 13 hours. A full charge is not always necessary unless a long journey, so when only a 50% charge is needed then these times are halved.

Q. How are electric vehicles charged?

A. Elecric cars a re charged via the car’s plug-in charge point, electric cars can be left connected to the charger, as the can will only draw charge as needed. The vehicle will automatically stop charging when it reaches full charge, or when the charge reaches the level that the customer has configured.

For optimum charging at home, you can install a GridCars approved wall box. GridCars Advanced home 7.4kW single phase AC chargers, can typically fully charge the vehicle overnight and and deliver up to 30km of range per hour†† . When using a domestic socket, charging rates are slower than a wall box (up to 15km of range per hour††), but are sufficient to cover the average daily commute if the vehicle is charged overnight.

When away from home, the best way to get a quick top up of your battery’s charge for those long journeys is with a public DC charger – a typical 60kW charger can deliver up to 300km of range per hour††. As the public charging infrastructure expands, these charge stations will make even the most remote places accessable. You can also find convenient charging points at places you may want to stay for several hours – or even overnight – including shopping centres, hotels and gyms, nationally.

†† - This refers to the amount of energy that can be put into a car in an hour, and the distance that the car can be driven with that energy. This is typically calculated at a consumption rate of 20kWh per 100km. This can differ with different cars, and also different drivers.

Q. What charging equipment will I need?

A. Electric car come equipped with an occasional use Charging Cable (also known as a Mode 2 Charging Cable) that can be plugged directly into a domestic plug socket.

For optimum charging at home, you can install a GridCars approved wall box. GridCars Advanced home 7.4kW single phase AC chargers, can typically fully charge the vehicle overnight and and deliver up to 30km of range per hour††. You can choose a wallbox that is equipped with its own cable (referred to as 'tethered'), or a wallbox without a cable ('untethered'). Untethered wallboxes require you to have a Public Charging Cable (also knows as a Mode 3 Charging Cable), so called because this is also the cable that you will require in order to use AC public charging stations.

All rapid DC public charging points come equipped with their own cables, and so you do not require any additional equipment to use these stations.

Q. Who can install a wall box for me?

A. There are GridCars approved wall box suppliers and installers throughout South Africa. Our partners are available to advise upon the best solutions for you. Please consult your local Vehcile Dealer for further information, or Contact GridCars directly on +27 12 349 2462 or info@gridcars.net.

Q. Is a wall box included with the price of the vehicle?

A. No. but there this portal is designed to take you through the process, and of ordering your wall box in your home, as well of other eMobility services you would need.

Q. If I install a wall box, what happens if I decide to move home?

A. A GridCars approved supplier will be able to provide a quote to remove your wall box and re-install it at your new home. As Electric cars become more popular, the home you moving to may well alerady have a wall box.

Q. ill I also be able to charge other electric vehicles using the wall box?

A. Yes. GridCars approved wall boxes are equipped capabile of charging any vehicle with a Type 2, AC charge connector. If you choose the untethered charger, then cars using either Type 1 or Tyope 2 will be able to use this wall box.

Q. Can I use someone else's wall box, or do I need to makes sure it’s compatible?

A. Any wall box with Type 2 plug or connector, can be used to charge a vehicle with a Type 2 AC Inlet.

Q. What if I have a parking spot in an apartment building, can I install a wall box?

A. The GridCars partners and suppliers are capable of installing charging solutions for a variety of homes. They will support you with regard to permissions, permits and suitability. They can also advise you on particular configurations and setup for your particular site.

Q. I do not have dedicated parking at home or work. Does that mean I cannot have an electric vehicle?

A. Not necessarily: you would need to rely upon the public charging network. You can also caontact GridCars and provide us with the address where you typically need to charge, GridCars will approach the landlord and see if is practical to extend the public charging networks in the area.

Q. How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

A. The price of electricity fluctuates according to market influences. To calculate the cost for a full charge, simply multiply the rate you are charged per kWh by the size of your battery. i.e. If your battery size is 90kWh then Cost = Rate x 90. Rates are available on the mapping apps and in some cases it is advertisied at the charge point.

Q. Can I charge my vehicle using a photovoltaic system (solar) at home?

A. Yes. The charge rate is very dependance on the installed Solar system. GridCars in partnership with Solareff are able to assess your home, and provide you with a optimal Solar solution for your needs.

Q. Can I charge at any public charging station?

A. As long as the charge point offers the same standard and connector as your vehicle, and you have an account with the charge point provider, you can use that public charging station. It is best to confirm which charge points are available to you, based on the vehicle connectors type and your eMobility membership.

Q. Does each manufacturer create its own dedicated public charging network?

A. While this is not recomended, as the first cars have being rolled out in South Africa, some of the OEM's did do this. However, more recently there has being a huge investment through companies like GridCars, to provide generic infrastructure for all manufacturers.

Q. How do I find charging stations?

A. You can use your vehicle's navigation systems, that would typically show you accesable public charge stations. GridCars also provides their eMobility customers with a mapping App, that will show you realtime data on charge point availability.

Q. Is it acceptable to store charging cables in the cabin or on the back seat of the car?

A. Most vehicles are designed with a storage area for the safe transportation of all compatible charging cables and equipment.

Q. How do I use any Mode 3 cable to charge?

A. There are two ratings available for Public Charging (Mode 3) Cables. These are 16A and 32A. Your vehicle and charging point identify which cable is attached and regulate the right amount of electrical current to charge your vehicle. Where the electrical supply allows, the 32A capability will charge faster.

Q. How is the charging cable protected against theft or vandalism when using public charging?

A. The Public Charging (Mode 3) Cable locks into the vehicle inlet and remains locked until you unlock your vehicle.

Q. Can I drive off with a charging cable still plugged in?

A. No. It is a mandatory requirement of international standards that electric vehicles cannot be driven when plugged into a charging station.

Q. Can electric vehicles be charged in the rain?

A. Yes. Customers and bystanders are not exposed to any risk of electric shock.

Q. Should I charge to 100 percent every time?

A. The charging rate can decrease as the battery reaches full capacity, so customers may choose to charge to 80% capacity (especially when time is limited), or just for the extended range required. Electric vehicles have a charging management system which will optimise your charging requirements accordingly.

Q. Why is the first 80 percent charge so much faster than the final 20 percent?

A. The rate of charge is limited by the chemistry and physics of lithium-ion batteries and it can take as long to charge the last 20 percent as it does to charge the first 80 percent. The final stages of charging are carefully controlled by the battery management system.

Q. How many days can an electric vehicle be left without charging? For instance, can I leave it parked at the airport?

A. Electric vehicles can be left unattended for at least six months, however plugging in once a month is optimal (please refer to you manufactures manual for more info on this). The battery management system is electronically controlled and uses very little energy. If you need to leave the electric car for an entended period, it is advisable to leave it connected to a wallbox.

Q. What are 'destination charging' and 'journey charging'?

A. Destination charging refers to charging stations that can be found at local shopping centres, hotels, gyms and other destinations you may visit for extended periods of time.

Journey charging refers to charging stations at service stations or dedicated electric vehicle charging stations, which provide the maximum charge in the shortest time.

Q. Is there an iOS or Android app that can assist with managing how I charge?

A. Yes. The GridCars Web App, available from GridCars, enables you to stop or start charging, manage departure times, tariffs and set a maximum state of charge. The app also sends you notifications if charging is unexpectedly stopped.

Q. What does kilowatt-hour (kWh) mean?

A. Kilowatt-hours are a measure of how much energy can be stored in a battery. For a given vehicle, a battery with greater capacity ‑ more kWh ‑ will have greater range and/or performance.

eMobility - Your charge cards

Q. Where do I find the charge points?

A. You will find charge points at popular Malls and other partner sites, including some Service Stations and Office Parks. For details you can view the live Map here

Q. How do I get a charge card?

A. The Charge Card is available from the following places.
• When you purchase a car from BMW or Mini, you will be directed to an on boarding portal, where you can order your charge point and also your eMobility membership. • Alternatively you can contact GridCars via sales@gridcars.net

Q. What is a Fast Charger?

A. Officially Fast Charging is defined as charging rates faster than the typical maximum home charging rates of 7.4kW (32A Single Phone). This includes public charging rate of AC 11kW, AC 22kW and DC from 10kW to 350kW (or more). Generally, though, when we refer to public Fast Charging on highways and shopping centres, it is imply DC Charging, at rates of 30kW and more.

Q. What is a cost to charge in public?

A. The cost will vary from site to site, as the main input cost is typically the cost of electricity, there is also some dependence on the particular eMobility card that you are a member with, and their offers. The best is to look on your eMobility App, or the different websites that are available showing charge locations. >(see here)

Welcome to the GridCars supplied AION Customers on-boarding portal! We are looking forward to adding value to your charging experience as you make use of the extended charging network now available across the country. On this site you will be able to activate your AION RFID card and access live maps of the GridCars national network of charge stations available to AION Customers.

View a live map of available charge points

View Live Map

Registration

Please enter the email address you would like to register with. If you already have a ChargePocket account, please use that email address so we can link your new eMobility Membership to your existing ChargePocket account

Email Address

Cellphone Number

Dealership EV Purchased at

First Name

Last Name

Card Number Please use the exact format on the card, including the dashes xxx-xxx-xxx If you have not received your card, please leave the above field blank. We will create a virtual card for you that will allow you to use our QR Code, WhatsApp and In-App functionality to remotely start/stop charge sessions while you wait for your card.

Please select your preference below:

I would like to validate my vehicle data with my OEM

I would prefer to not validate my vehicle data

I am registering as a dealership

Back

Registration Successful

Thank - you for registering under GridCars as your prefered eMobility provider

An activation email will be sent to your email provided with a link to create your password, as well as an OTP being sent via SMS (from +27 60 070 2372) to the cellphone number you supplied.

When you follow the link in the email, you will be directed to enter the OTP and then enter the password for your ChargePocket after which you will be logged in. Please note depending on your email provider it may take a few minutes to arrive, also please check your "Junk" folder.

Once logged in we suggest you go to the "My Profile" page to fill in all your relevant information and then go to the "My Notifications" page to setup the notifications you would like to receive from your ChargePocket.

You will also receive a "How to use ChargePocket" email once you have successfully logged in.

If you need to get in touch with us, please use one of the below methods

For more information please contact us on info@gridcars.net
If you need any support or assistance please contact us on support@gridcars.net
You can call us on +27 10 109 3344, during business hours
You can also send us an SMS/WhatsApp on +27 60 070 2372 (same number that you received your OTP from) and one of our team members will provide assistance or call you back. Please do not call this number as it is unmanned and therefore you will not receive an answer.

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