Pikalataus

Pikalataus, literally "fast charging" in Finnish, refers to charging a rechargeable battery at a high rate to restore a substantial portion of capacity in a short time. It is most commonly used in the context of electric vehicles (EVs), but the term can also apply to fast charging of mobile devices and other batteries. In EVs, pikalataus uses direct current (DC) delivered by dedicated fast-charging stations, bypassing the vehicle’s slower onboard AC charger.

Power levels for EV pikalataus typically range from about 50 kW to 350 kW, with the actual rate depending on the charger, the vehicle’s battery chemistry, temperature, and remaining state of charge. Charging is usually optimized to reach about 80% quickly, after which the charging rate tapers to protect battery life and longevity, making the final 10–20% slower.

Standards and connectors in Europe center on the Combined Charging System (CCS) for DC fast charging, with CHAdeMO and Tesla’s Supercharger network available in various regions. Many public stations offer multiple connectors and may support roaming or dynamic pricing.

Operation and safety are governed by the battery management system and the charger, which monitor voltage, current, and temperature. Thermal management is crucial, as high-power charging can heat the battery and reduce peak power in cold or hot conditions. Preconditioning the battery while plugged in can improve charging performance.

Infrastructure and economics: Fast-charging stations are publicly accessible and usually linked to payment or roaming networks. Costs vary by operator and country, and pricing can be based on energy delivered or time connected. In Finland and other European markets, expanding pikalataus infrastructure aims to shorten charging times and support longer journeys, alongside grid capacity and policy incentives.