Two types of electric fuels power electric vehicles these days - AC and DC. AC (Alternating current) and DC (Direct current) are entirely different as they flow at different speeds, travel in different directions, and also have different applications.
In this post, we will have a look at the key differences between AC and DC charging.
1. Conversion
DC fast charger manufacturers say that a DC charging station facilitates AC to DC conversion within itself. Since the conversion doesn’t take place inside the electric vehicle, but the charging station, you can use large converters to convert AC power from the grid itself in a hassle-free manner. Unlike AC chargers, DC chargers do not need an onboard converter to convert the current.
Since, some DC chargers are also capable of providing up to 350 KW power, an electric vehicle can be fully charged in just about 15 minutes. Whether an electric vehicle uses an AC or DC charging station, the battery of the vehicle can only store DC energy, so the real difference between AC and DC charging lies in where the conversion between AC to DC happens.
2. The charging curve
DC chargers such as a Bharat DC 001 charger form a degrading charging curve. That’s because the battery of your electric vehicle receives a quick flow of power initially which gradually reduces as it is nearing its full charging capacity mark.
AC charging, in stark contrast, depicts a flat line which essentially isn’t a curve at all. In a nutshell, it contains a smaller onboard charger that receives a limited power spread over a longer period.
3. Applications
AC charger manufacturers say that most of the chargers you see around you are AC chargers because the majority of charging stations use AC charging. Type 2 AC charger manufacturers say that the usual charging speed of AC chargers is 22 KW. They are apt for car charging at home as you have plenty of time to charge.
DC charging stations are pretty commonly seen on highways or public charging stations, but it is all poised to make its way into home charging. This is going to change the charging ecosystem quite drastically forever, as it will facilitate quick and bi-directional charging.
Hope the blog post made for a good read. For more information related to AC chargers or DC fast chargers, feel free to get in touch with us. As a leading type 2 AC charger manufacturer and DC fast charger manufacturer, we will be more than happy to answer your queries to your satisfaction.
