AC charging / DC charging
The ABCs of Electric Cars: A Beginner’s Guide
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If you’re into electric cars, you will probably come across terms like AC charging and DC charging. But what sets them apart, and why is DC charging quicker?
The Basics
Electric current comes in two types: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current). They each have their own features and uses.
The power you get from the electricity company is AC, but the electricity stored in batteries (like those in mobiles, laptops, or cars) is DC.
Hence, the current needs to be changed from AC to DC before it gets to the battery. This is done using a converter, also known as a charger, similar to the one for your laptop or mobile device. You can check the details on your mobile charger; it will indicate input as AC and output as DC.
AC charging
Back to EV, the concept remains the same, and the conversion is handled by a built-in converter in your car. Typically, this built-in converter can convert anywhere from 3 to 22 kilowatts per hour, but the most common rate for cars is 11 kilowatts per hour.
However, if you aim to charge faster, you’ll require a larger converter. A larger converter translates to more weight, size, and heat, leading to the necessity for additional cooling, which in turn adds more weight and size.
DC charging
Here comes DC charging (commonly known as fast charging) into play. With DC charging, the converter is external to the car. It converts the current and sends it directly to the battery in the form of DC, bypassing the need for the car’s built-in converter.
These chargers can handle capacities reaching several hundred kilowatts, which is more than ten times the capacity of AC charging.
Why aren’t all chargers DC if it’s faster?
The practical reason behind this is that DC chargers are large and expensive, making them challenging to integrate into a car or home setup. As a result, they are commonly used in public spaces and along highways between cities. In contrast, AC charging is more suitable for residential use, making it the go-to choice for home charging.
The next time you use a fast charger, take note of the large charging size.
#EV #evcharging #electriccars
