Here in the UK I think we're limited to 6.6kW charging due to the types of charging stations we have. Some of them do have dual Mennekes sockets but you'd need a separate card (and therefore a second subscription) to use them. I get the impression that using two J plugs is a lot easier in the States. I'm disappointed by the rate of progress our charging infrastructure is making. Our government is rubbish.
I didn't know Mennekes was capable of 3 phase charging until reading this thread as I've only ever come across 7kW posts. I should have realised though, because I think some electric cars only have an A.C. fast charging solution, but go up to 21kW.
I've also heard of 43kW A.C. fast charging. Is this also via a Mennekes plug?
I think we're still in the first generation days as far as Zero and their electrical systems go. I take Terry's excellent points around the availability of rapid chargers and how it will be a long time before D.C. charging becomes viable.
I hope that Zero can build a foundation for massive growth over the next year. Get the European distribution centre up and running properly, put some proper systems in place for customer service, keep improving on reliability, keep reducing the sticker price and so on. As sales improve and mark my words, they will, Zero can start developing the following:
High voltage battery pack and much more powerful motor. Torque is fine, but it would be nice to have litre bike performance.
Aerodynamics for a touring model. If Erasmo can do it, Zero should be able to.
A new BMS with rapid D.C. charging built in.
Active cooling for the battery pack. 2-3C won't be possible without it, I would think, especially with the cell density required on a motorcycle.
If there's one thing I've learnt after following Zero for the last four years, it's that they are very good at understanding what is practical to develop with their existing resources. All of the above is difficult. It is easy to think otherwise because car manufacturers have already done it. In fact they incorporated it all into their first generation products. Zero couldn't because they only have a tiny fraction of the development money a car manufacturer has.
I know I'm trotting out stuff that many of you already know, but I hope it helps some newer members.
As much as I appreciate and respect all the great developments in the fast A.C. charging space over the last year or so, I do believe charging times have to get down to 20 minutes before mass market adoption occurs. Tesla knew this from the start. Zero probably know it too, but must address other priorities first. Price and reliability being right at the top of the list. Followed very closely by customer service.
An outsider wouldn't understand why people would have to waste valuable space carrying around charging equipment. They won't understand why it costs so much money and why it still takes at least an hour to charge.
I would love to hear from Justin if he's got time to read and post to this thread. His 2015 SR with powertank must be ripe for a 6.6kW fast charger setup. With around 120 miles of range, he shouldn't have to stop until lunchtime. A nice long lunch should be enough to charge for the rest of the day. If taking it steady. I can quite easily enjoy a couple of hours of motorcycling with my range of 65 miles. I don't really understand people wanting to ride 400 miles a day on their bikes. I've had enough after 300 miles. 250 is plenty unless a lot of it is spent on motorways and dual carriageways.
As a commuter with little time for riding at weekends (kids), I do find it difficult to justify the cost of even the cheapest units, like the Elcon.