AC vs DC EV charging: what’s the difference?

Unlike AC chargers, a DC charger has a converter inside the charger itself. That means it can feed power directly to the car's battery and doesn't need the car’s onboard charger to convert it. DC chargers are bigger, faster, and an exciting breakthrough for EVs.

The main distinction between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) EV charging lies in the electrical current used to charge electric vehicles.

AC charging is the conventional method, typically found in homes and public charging points. It involves converting AC power from the grid into DC power within the vehicle's onboard charger. AC chargers are commonly available in 7kW and 22kW variants, with the charging rate determined by the charger's power rating.

On the other hand, DC charging devices bypass the vehicle's onboard charger and directly supply DC power to the battery. This allows for faster charging rates, making DC chargers prevalent along highways and in fast-charging stations. DC chargers are available in various power levels from 50Kw up to 350Kw, with higher kW ratings facilitating quicker charging times.

In summary, AC charging relies on the vehicle's onboard charger to convert AC power to DC, while DC charging delivers direct DC power to the EV's battery, enabling significantly faster charging.