This article will compare AC Charger vs DC Charger from EV Charging Current, Cost, working principle, application, AC charging vs dc charging for electric vehicles, Charging and Battery Health, etc.
AC Charger VS DC Charger in EV Charging Current
What is EV charging AC vs DC or EV charging DC vs AC? The DC and AC refer to EV Charging Current, which is the main difference between AC EV charger and DC EV Charger. The The AC EV charger gets charged with AC (alternating current) while the DC EV charger gets charged with direct current (DC).
AC charger vs DC charger in Cost
The one of difference between ac and dc charger is the cost. The AC EV charger is cheaper than DC EV charger. Generally, AC EV Charger is less expensive to install due to simpler technology. Homes often have existing AC outlets suitable for Level 1 or Level 2 AC charging, requiring minimal additional equipment. DC EV Charging stations are typically higher upfront costs for installing them.
AC charger vs DC charger in Charging Speed & Charging Curve
Is dc charging faster than ac? Yes, the DC EV Charger is faster than AC EV charger. The
AC Charging offers slower charging speeds, typically ranging from 3 kW to 19.2 kW (Level 1 and Level 2). Charging times can vary from hours to overnight depending on the power level and battery capacity. AC charging usually follows a linear charging curve, meaning the rate of charge remains consistent throughout the session.
DC Charging delivers significantly faster charging speeds, ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW or even higher. This can significantly reduce charging time, often to under an hour for a partial charge. DC charging utilizes a non-linear charging curve. The initial charging rate is highest, gradually decreasing as the battery reaches capacity to prevent overheating.
Based on the above ac vs DC EV charging in speed and curve, you can choose them from this aspect better.
AC charger vs DC charger in Working Principle
The one of difference between ac and dc EV charger is the working principle. The following will introduce ac vs dc charger (dc vs ac charger) from working principle.
AC Charging: The AC power from the grid needs conversion to DC before the battery can use it. This conversion is handled by the on-board charger within the EV itself. AC charging essentially “trickles” power into the battery, making it suitable for overnight charging or topping off at home or workplaces.
DC Charging: Bypasses the on-board charger and delivers DC power directly to the battery. This eliminates the conversion step, resulting in faster charging times. However, DC fast charging stations require more complex infrastructure due to the high-voltage DC current involved.
AC charging vs dc charging for electric vehicles
The difference between AC charging and DC charging lies in the location of the AC conversion: inside or outside the vehicle. For electric cars, the converter is built into the car. Known as a “car charger,” it converts alternating current into direct current, which is then fed into the car’s battery. Unlike AC chargers, DC chargers have a converter inside the charger. It can supply power directly to the car battery and does not require a car charger for conversion. In a word, the EV charger needs a car charger converter AC power into DC power. However, the DC charging station contains a converter inside that can provide power directly to the battery.
AC charger vs DC charger in Application
After you know dc vs ac ev charging from charging current, charging speed, charging curve, working principle, electric vehicles, you may know the application of AC EV charger and DC EV charger is difference.
AC Charging: Ideal for overnight charging at home or workplaces. It’s also suitable for public charging stations where extended parking is available, such as shopping malls or movie theaters. AC charging provides a convenient way to maintain your battery’s charge for daily commutes.
DC Charging: Primarily used for public fast-charging stations along highways or urban areas. These stations are perfect for long-distance travel or situations where time is limited. DC charging allows for quick “refueling” to extend your journey without lengthy stops.
AC charger vs DC charger in Charging and Battery Health
It’s important to note that while DC charging is faster, frequent use may have an impact on battery performance and durability. Studies show that cars that use DC fast charging more than three times a month have 10% more battery degradation than cars that never use a DC fast charger. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners try to use AC charging for daily charging and reduce the frequency of DC fast charging as much as possible. Thus, the charging and battery health of AC charger is better than DC EV Charging for electrical car.
Where to choose AC Charger and DC Charger
According to EV ac vs dc charging, you must clearly know what is the difference between ac and dc chargers. Now, you may know how to choose the AC charger and DC charger. Do you know where to choose AC EV charger and DC Charger with factory price? We recommend you sell-best because sell-best can offer you all products at lowest price. At sell-best.com, you can find AC EV chargers, DC EV chargers, Portable EV chargers, and Wall-mounted EV chargers. Besides, you can get some well-known brands’ EV chargers here and enjoy provide professional technical support and after-sales service.
