AC Charger Vs DC Charger: Similarities and Differences

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Electric vehicles can be charged using alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). The electricity from the grid is AC, while the energy stored in a car battery is DC.

This means that the EV charging process necessarily involves an energy conversion step. The key difference between AC vs DC charging stations lies in where this conversion takes place: in the charging station or in the vehicle itself.  

Today’s blog will explore AC chargers vs DC chargers. Without further ado, let’s dive into their similarities and differences.

Understand AC Charging Vs DC Charging

What is an AC charger? An AC charging station outputs alternating current, and the conversion from the grid’s AC to the DC required by the vehicle’s battery takes place inside the electric vehicle. The charging process involves two steps:  

  • The AC charger safely transmits the grid’s alternating current to the electric vehicle.  
  • The vehicle on-board converter (OBC) converts the AC from the charging station into DC, which then charges the battery.

What is a DC charger? A DC charging station directly supplies direct current to the EV battery. It eliminates the need for an OBC by performing the current conversion internally, as it is equipped with a high-power AC-DC conversion module.

ac vs dc ev charger

Similarities Between AC and DC Chargers

AC and DC chargers share some similarities.

The most fundamental purpose of DC and AC chargers is to safely and efficiently replenish energy for electric vehicle batteries.  

Both adhere to unified international charging standards (such as GB/T, CHAdeMO, CCS, or NACS).  

Both are equipped with multiple layers of safety protection mechanisms, including over current/over voltage/under voltage protection, leakage protection, temperature monitoring, and more.  

They are typically smart charging stations, featuring functionalities such as remote monitoring, remote control and upgrades, payment processing, and authentication.  

Regardless of AC or DC charging, the ultimate energy source for both is the AC power from the power grid.

Difference Between AC and DC Chargers

AC vs DC charging for EVs differ via factors like battery recharge speed, install difficulty and cost, vehicle compatibility, and the best ways to utilize them.

1. EV Charging Curves

AC charging curve: On a power-time graph, after charging begins, the power rapidly climbs to a value and remains relatively stable throughout the charging process until completion or manual termination.

DC charging curve: The process can be divided into three main stages. After charging starts, the power quickly surges to its peak and remains near this level for a period. When the battery charge reaches a certain level (typically around 80%), the power curve shows a noticeable decline until the battery is fully charged.

2. Charging Speed

DC EV charger solutions can charge at much higher power rates than AC EV chargers.

The direct current provided by the DC charging station can directly charge the EV batteries with fast charging capabilities. The AC charging station needs to convert the AC power into DC power through the on-board converter with a relatively slow charging speed.

For example, AC charging power typically ranges from 3.5 kW to 22 kW. For an average household electric vehicle, a full charge usually takes about 6 to 8 hours. In contrast, DC charging can deliver power from 150 kW to 600 kW, reducing charging time to just 10-30 minutes.

3.  Installation Costs

The installation costs of AC charger vs DC chargers differ significantly.

DC fast charging stations require extensive electrical infrastructure like transformer upgrades and cooling systems, making their installation much more complex and costly than AC chargers.

Equipment costs for DC units can be many times higher than AC devices. Generally speaking, AC chargers do not require much installation cost and can be easily set up at home or in a personal studio.

4. Vehicle Compatibility

All electric vehicles are compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers. However, only newer EVs with CCS, CHAdeMO, GB/T, and Tesla fast charge ports can take advantage of DC EV charger stations.

For example, for an EV with only SAE J1772 charging port, a DC charger cannot be used. Compatibility is more limited for DC stations than for some electric vehicles.

5. Application Scenarios

Due to the charging characteristics of AC charger vs DC charger, each is suited for different scenarios.

  • When to Choose AC EV chargers?

AC chargers are typically installed in homes, workplaces, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and other public places where vehicles remain parked for extended periods, allowing for convenient charging during stays.  

  • When to Choose DC EV chargers?

DC chargers, on the other hand, are deployed in highway service areas, public charging stations, or used to support rapid turnover for commercial fleets. They significantly reduce waiting times, offering an experience similar to refueling traditional gasoline vehicles, thereby effectively alleviating range anxiety. 

AC vs DC Charging: How to Choose?

Choosing between an AC charger vs DC charger depends on evaluating your unique needs and circumstances.

1. Vehicle Type and Needs

Consider your EV’s battery capacity, charging port compatibility, and how much driving range you need daily or weekly. A slower charger may suffice for occasional commuters compared to those making long trips regularly. 

2. Budget

AC Level 2 chargers cost $1200-$2500 while EV charger DC solutions range from $10,000-$50,000 when considering purchasing, installing, and maintaining services costs. This is because the circuit upgrade, parts, and manual installation of DC high-power chargers are more complex, but they can help users quickly charge in emergency situations. Compare budgets with your vehicle’s power demands and typical usage to get the best value.

3. Installation Location

A residential garage suits AC EV chargers, facilitating car owners returning home from work. Public stations need durable, high-powered, and climate-protected DC fast chargers. In addition, it is recommended to choose an installation environment that avoids the sun and rain to better extend the lifespan of the charger. Consider local building codes and electricity costs, which may impact infrastructure requirements.

Want to Invest in AC and DC Chargers?

EVB Charger is a manufacturer of electric vehicle charging equipment. With over a decade of industry experience, we offer a wide portfolio of AC and DC chargers suitable for homes, businesses, and public networks. Our charging solutions emphasize premium structural quality, high power capability, advanced connectivity, and control features. We are committed to ensuring compatibility with evolving vehicles and charging standards. Apart from this, we also prioritize excellent after-sales support through our dedicated technical team.

As one of the premier EV charger suppliers, we aim to empower the sustainable electrical transition through reliable, future-proof AC and DC charger and services valued by customers worldwide. Two of our AC and DC chargers include:

1. AC EV Charger with Socket: Suitable for Home Use

Ideal for residential use, this intelligent AC charger provides convenient and reliable charging for homeowners. Its top features include the following:

  1. DLB function allows automatic adjustment of charging station power to achieve intelligent energy distribution 
  2. Weatherproof IP55/65 construction suitable for indoor or outdoor installation
  3. Intuitive smartphone app allows remote monitoring and control of charging sessions
  4. Integrated electricity metering helps track energy usage and costs
  5. Wall-mounted form factor design offers flexible installation options
  6. Relatively fast charging speed with 1 hour of charge providing a 40km distance
  7. OCPP 1.6J protocol and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connectivity options
  8. About 100% efficiency

2. Floor-Mounted 2 Guns DC EV Charger: Suitable for Public Places

Designed for heavy-duty public applications, our dual-port DC EV charger supplies rapid replenishment up to 240kW total. Its key features are:

  1. 60-240kW scalable output to meet various power needs
  2. Generous 21-inch touchscreen and button controls ensure simple and visible operation
  3. 2 guns with CCS1, CCS2, CHAdeMO, GB/T, NACS connectors provide universal vehicle compatibility
  4. Emergency stop function enhances safety assurance
  5. IP55 rating enables reliable performance in all weather
  6. Compact floor-stand design takes up less space
  7. Remote monitoring and firmware updating via Wi-Fi, 4G and Ethernet connectivity
  8. Up to 95% efficiency

Conclusion

Selecting between DC and AC chargers necessitates understanding key distinctions in charging curves, charging speed, costs, compatibility, and application scenarios. While AC electric car chargers suit most home charging needs, DC fast chargers better serve time-critical public refueling.

EVB Charger offers a portfolio of AC and DC chargers engineered to meet requirements across diverse settings. You can explore our complete range of innovative electric vehicle charging solutions on our official website.

References

[1] How Much Does It Cost To Install An EV Charger? Available at: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-an-ev-charger (Accessed: 23 January 2024)

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