Latauspiste

A latauspiste, or charging point, is a location equipped to supply electrical energy to recharge rechargeable devices, most commonly electric vehicles (EVs). It can be wall-mounted, freestanding, or integrated into parking bays, streets, or buildings, and usually includes a power supply, a connector, and a control system to manage charging sessions and payment.

In Europe, public latauspiste typically offer AC charging via Type 2 connectors (Mennekes) for slower charging, and DC fast charging via CCS2 or CHAdeMO connectors. Many chargers provide more than one connector to accommodate different vehicles. Availability, power level (from a few kilowatts to hundreds of kilowatts), and pricing vary by operator and location.

Operation and access: Charging sessions are started by user authentication (RFID card, mobile app, or, in some cases, plug-and-charge). The charge ends when the vehicle reaches the desired state or the session is stopped; payment is handled by the operator, often with subscription or pay-as-you-go pricing. Some points are publicly accessible; others are restricted to residents or business customers.

Standards and interoperability: Latauspiste infrastructure follows international standards such as IEC 62196 for connectors, IEC 61851 for charging modes, and CCS2 for rapid DC charging. Back-end communications commonly use Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) to enable roaming and centralized billing.

Impact and planning: Public charging points are part of policy to support electric mobility, reduce emissions, and enable urban charging. Deployment is led by municipalities, energy companies, and private operators, with attention to grid capacity, accessibility, maintenance, and data transparency.