If you drive an electric car , it is important to know what type of charging station you need. There are 2 well-known types of chargers: AC and DC. But how exactly do these work and which one is best for your needs?
What is the difference between AC and DC charging?
When you charge an electric car, the electrical energy has to be converted from alternating current (AC= alternating current) to direct current (DC= direct current).
AC is the type of power supplied by the electricity grid
DC is the type of current is used by the batteries of an electric car.
There are two types of charging stations: AC chargers and DC chargers. AC chargers are the most common type of charging stations. They use an inverter to convert AC power to DC power. DC chargers do not need an inverter because they supply DC power directly.
AC charging
AC charging is the most common way to charge an electric car. It is the cheapest but also a slower charging option. The power conversion is done in the car's battery itself, which means that some energy is lost. The charging time of an electric car with an AC charger can range from 3 to 8 hours.
Why an AC charger?
Easy to find and lots of choice of charging stations
Compact size allowing them to be hung on a pole but also on the wall
Cheap making it good for a charging station at your home
DC charging
DC charging is a faster way to charge your electric car. DC chargers are used in fast chargers, which can often be found along motorways.DC chargers are more expensive than AC chargers, but they charge an electric car much faster. The charging time of an electric car with a DC charger can range from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.
Why a DC charger?
fast loading times of 15 to 30 minutes
good investment for the future
Which charging method should you choose?
The best charging method for you depends on your needs and budget. If you want to install a simple charging station at your home, an AC charger is more than enough to charge your EV. If you want to install charging infrastructure for your business or along a public road, DC chargers are the fastest and most future-proof solution.