Amongst the electric vehicle charging jargon, EV drivers will have come across the terms AC and DC charging. But do you know what it means? What’s the difference and why is there a difference?
Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) are the two types of power that fuel an electric vehicle. The power that comes from the grid is always AC, however batteries, including ones found in EVs can store power as DC.
Most electronic devices such as smart phones have a converter built into the plug that converts the AC power brought from the grid into DC power stored within the device’s battery. The only slight difference with an EV is the converter is built within the vehicle, this is called the ‘onboard charger’. Converting from AC to DC using this method through an AC charger is the most common way of charging. All home chargers are AC along with the vast majority of workplace units.
Throughout the country there are many DC chargers, more commonly found at service stations, fast food restaurants, retail parks and along busy road networks. DC chargers have a converter inside the charger itself, the conversion of AC to DC power is made before it enters the vehicle. This means the unit sends power directly to the car’s battery and doesn’t require the onboard charger to convert anything so the vehicle plugged in to a DC charger will charger at a much faster rate.
This process means DC chargers are bigger, faster and a game changer when it comes to charging an EV and the need to gain a fast charge. A DC charging station is technologically much more complex and much more expensive than an AC unit as it requires a powerful source. This need for a bigger supply is the reason why very few units are seen in workplace settings and why you will see large power enclosures alongside a set of DC chargers, as more than likely these chargers have their own dedicated electrical supply feeding them.
These two ways of charging have their advantages and disadvantages. AC charging is a lot cheaper and gentler for the vehicle, with the drawback being the vehicle will charge at a lot slower rate, usually at 7 or 22kW. DC charging is much more expensive, but will take place within minutes 50kW is a common DC charger size with 150kW units available along busy road networks. Long-term regular use of DC chargers isn’t ideal for the EV’s battery as the onboard charger isn’t required, and therefore should only be used as a necessity and on long journeys.
EV Motion has experience in installing both AC and DC chargepoints. Depending on the customers needs, budget and supply capabilities we are able to advise on a solution that works for them. With our in-house team of experts, we are able to assist clients with checking the spare load they have available, as well as assisting with applying for a new electrical connection.
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