Selecting the best charge points

Rolec, renowned for being in the vanguard of design and manufacture of outdoor electrical equipment for over three decades, is best known in the marina sector for its huge range of bespoke power pedestals, sanitation and emergency services equipment. Complementing this is a range of EV charge products, also to be found in marinas, and, more recently, solutions for charging electric boats. The company shares some guidelines for marina operators.

Electric charging systems for both car and boat have been subject to exciting new technology that has improved the overall user experience. High-powered fast DC chargers with the capacity to produce up to 360kW of power direct to a boat are now available. This, paired with advances in battery technology, has revolutionised the boating industry’s capacity to provide green transport.
Charging options
When an operator decides on a charging solution, it is important to understand the key differences between AC and DC charging.
Notably, the main distinction between the two is charging speed. AC charging is, by nature, slower at filling batteries than DC charging. However, the decision on what to choose is more nuanced than just speed.
AC charging, for example, is championed as the more battery-friendly option for electric boat charging due to its gentler approach to electrification. On average, an AC charger can take eight to ten hours to provide a full charge and, as such, is best suited for overnight charging or for boat owners who are setting out on the water less often or at a much slower pace.
This charging system is also the more cost-effective option, both in terms of unit price and electrical usage. The electrical draw of an AC charger is significantly lower than its DC counterpart meaning that charging hardware doesn’t need to be as substantial, saving space and money. Additionally, overnight charging also allows the user to take advantage of favourable electricity tariffs, translating to an overall cost-saving.
DC charging on the other hand is most recognisable for its rapid charge speeds. Comparatively, a DC charge point could provide an 80% charge in as little as 20 minutes, and an average of between 20 and 60 minutes. The benefits for boating rental agencies, larger vessels and more frequent users (such as water taxis) are clear – a reduction in boat downtime. Charge units are also fully configurable, upgradable and scalable to meet marina needs now and in the future.
An AC charger is therefore sufficient for most electric boaters while keener skippers might opt for a combination of AC charging with ad hoc DC rapid top-ups as a great option.
Think AC for need, and DC for speed.
The right station
After determining whether AC or DC charging is the right fit, other features need to be considered. These include durability, accessibility and aesthetics. For example, the unit needs to be able to withstand daily wear and tear at a waterside location where weather is unpredictable and traffic may be high. For this reason, it is important to look for units manufactured with more durable materials, like aluminium and steel, that are industry tested, and come with a generous warranty and maintenance policy.
It is also important to consider how charging hardware will work within the marina network, both aesthetically and in relation to accessibility. Features, such as built-in LED amenity lighting for example, will not only fit the overall look and feel of the waterside location, but also provide a pivotal function in increasing unit visibility.