AC or DC chargers: what is the difference, and which one should we choose?
Sep 24, 2024
With the rise of electric cars, more and more questions arise regarding charging technologies. One of the most important among them is which type of charger to choose: the AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) charger. In this post, we will present in detail the differences between the two technologies, as well as when each type might be the most suitable choice for our own electric vehicle.
AC or DC chargers: what is the essential difference?
The fundamental difference between AC and DC chargers lies in the type of current used. The two solutions utilize two different types of current. They are generated using different technologies, have distinct properties, and behave differently as well. The current that comes from the grid is always AC, that is, alternating current. In contrast, the energy stored in batteries is always DC. Therefore, the current coming from the grid is converted into DC by the chargers, making it storable in our car's battery.
AC chargers deliver grid power directly to the car, which converts it to DC with the help of the onboard charger. This is why these devices generally represent a slower solution. In contrast, DC chargers provide direct current to the battery, bypassing the limited performance of the onboard charger. This is a much faster solution, as the charging station is capable of higher power, and there is no need to convert alternating current to DC.
We have already covered several interesting and informative articles about batteries, onboard chargers, and general tips related to charging on the Voltie blog.
Which one should we choose?
Although both charging solutions have their advantages, it is worth knowing that AC chargers charge the car significantly slower, especially the models with larger batteries. The reason for this is that the capacity of the onboard charger limits how quickly the vehicle can be charged.
In contrast, DC chargers are significantly faster. They can operate at over 150 kW, allowing us to minimize charging time. An average electric car can be charged with AC in about 2-8 hours, while with DC it can be done in as little as 15-60 minutes. This can be useful not only during long trips but also before traveling, as it allows us to sit behind the wheel with greater confidence and a sense of security.
It is also worth noting that the efficiency of AC charging is generally accepted to be 85%, while DC is 95%. This means that with the former, there is nearly a 15% energy loss, while with the latter it is only 5%. The Hungarian electric vehicle terminology refers to AC charging as fast charging and to DC as rapid charging or ultra-fast charging.
How long until the charging speed?
The charging speed can depend on other factors beyond the charging solution. For example, it can depend on the condition of the car's battery, and environmental factors can also be significant. However, the choice of charger makes a huge difference.
Overall, it can be said that AC charging is slower and comes with minimal energy loss. In contrast, DC charging is faster and more efficient. However, its use may be more expensive, and it can be harder to find street DC fast chargers.
If you want to avoid waiting at public charging stations, it’s worth getting to know Voltie's solutions. These allow for the quick and safe charging of your battery conveniently and efficiently, with full optimizability.
