What is the Difference between AC vs DC Charging? - Chargie

AC charging is the most common type of charging for electric vehicles and uses the same type of electrical current that is used in homes and businesses. Level 2 AC chargers require a 240-volt electrical source, much like an oven range or clothes dryer. Level 3 DC chargers require a 480-volt electrical source, which is also used to power industrial motors and heating applications. For comparison, a standard wall outlet delivers 120 volts.

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Level 2 AC charging stations are most commonly found in locations of longer dwell times, like multifamily communities and office buildings. Level 3 DC charging stations are often found along busy transportation corridors and used by drivers who are on the go and looking to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

The time required to fully charge an electric vehicle on a Level 2 AC charger can range from a few hours to overnight. In contrast, some Level 3 DC charging stations are capable of adding over 200 miles of range in just 30 minutes. This is because AC charging requires the vehicle’s on board charger to convert the AC current from the power grid to the DC current that is used to charge the vehicle’s battery. DC charging, on the other hand, uses a charging station that directly supplies the battery with DC current, bypassing the need for a conversion from AC.

While the faster charge time provided by a Level 3 DC charger is certainly a benefit in some cases, there are several key things to consider about this kind of station. Level 3 DC charging stations can cost upwards of 200 times more than a Level 2 AC charger. They are also much larger, take up more space to install, and require more available power to safely operate.

Ultimately, the choice between AC and DC charging will depend on the needs and preferences of drivers. If you need to charge your EV quickly or plan to take long road trips, DC charging may be a better option. However, if you mainly charge your EV at home or work and have more time to wait for a full charge, AC charging is likely more than sufficient.

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As the UK races towards its net-zero goals, the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing.

With EV charging points increasing by a staggering 38% in the 12 months since July , the question of how to optimise public charging infrastructure has never been more pressing.

At the heart of this challenge lies a crucial decision: rapid charging or AC charging? This choice isn’t just a technical consideration; it’s a strategic one that will shape the future of our roads and cities.

Our industry survey “Charging on the Go” 2 revealed that 44.7% of EV users spend between 30 minutes to 1 hour at public charging stations, while 28.8% require 1 to 2 hours.

While rapid DC charging is undoubtedly convenient, its impact on battery life is a topic of ongoing research and debate.

Theoretically, frequent use of rapid charging could accelerate battery degradation due to the higher temperatures and currents involved.

However, recent real-world data has thrown up some surprising results. A study by Recurrent2a, which analysed data from 13,000 Teslas, found no statistically significant difference in range degradation between cars that rapid charged more than 70% of the time and those that rapid charged less than 30% of the time.

This suggests that modern EV batteries and their management systems may be more resilient to rapid charging than previously thought.

That said, it’s worth noting that this study primarily looked at relatively new vehicles, with 57% from or later. The long-term effects of frequent rapid charging over a decade or more are still unknown.

One of the primary benefits of AC charging is its cost-effectiveness.

AC chargers are significantly cheaper to install and operate compared to rapid DC chargers. According to ElectrAssure, AC EV charger installation can start from £3,500-5,000+ per install, which is 5 to 20 times less  than DC chargers per charging point.3

This lower cost makes AC charging an attractive option for businesses and local authorities looking to provide EV charging facilities without substantial capital investment.

The operational costs of AC chargers are also lower. They require less maintenance (because they are less complex) and consume less energy (because they have no energy loss from inverters, nor storage), which translates to reduced electricity bills for the operator.

They are also much smaller; taking up as little as 0.01m3 compared with at around 2m3 for rapid DC chargers. These advantages allow for wider deployment, potentially increasing the overall availability of charging points.

AC charging is particularly well-suited for certain scenarios, which highlights its importance in a comprehensive charging network:

1. Workplace Charging: AC chargers are ideal for workplace parking, where vehicles are typically parked for several hours. Employees can plug in their EVs upon arrival and have a fully charged battery by the end of the workday.
2. Overnight Charging: For hotels, B&Bs, and residential areas without off-street parking, AC chargers provide an excellent solution for overnight charging.
3. Destination Charging: Shopping centres, restaurants, and leisure facilities can benefit from AC chargers, allowing customers to top up their EVs while they shop, dine, or enjoy activities.
4. Fleet Charging: For businesses with electric fleets that return to a depot overnight, AC chargers can provide a cost-effective charging solution.

Real-world examples demonstrate the effectiveness of AC charging in these scenarios. For instance, Dundee City Council in Scotland has successfully implemented a mix of AC and rapid chargers.

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Their strategy includes AC chargers in long-stay car parks and rapid chargers in more transient locations, effectively balancing cost and convenience.

Although AC charging may not offer the speed of rapid DC charging, its lower costs and suitability for various scenarios make it an essential part of a well-rounded public charging infrastructure.

The key lies in strategically deploying AC chargers where vehicles are likely to be parked for longer periods or where minor topping-up is required, complementing the rapid chargers used for long journeys.

The push for faster charging times is driving significant innovations in charging technology.

Ultra-rapid chargers, capable of delivering up to 350kW, are becoming more prevalent. For instance, IONITY has deployed over 400 high-power charging stations across Europe, with chargers capable of delivering up to 350kW.3d

These chargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes for compatible vehicles. Another exciting development is the emergence of solid-state batteries, which promise higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety compared to current lithium-ion batteries.

A large number of companies are close to viable Solid-State battery designs including: QuantumScape (low-volume production now), Adden Energy, ION storage systems, Panasonic, CATL, Factorial (+LG Chem), Thailand New Energy, to be eagerly incorporated into EVs by BYD, Mercedes, Toyota (from -), VW, NIO, Nissan and Tesla.

Meanwhile, with a 133kWh battery and km range, the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Zhiji L6 Max Lightyear was the first solid-state battery EV to appear in limited numbers in summer .

By dynamically adjusting charging rates based on available power and user demand, LinkRay helps maximise the utilisation of existing infrastructure while avoiding costly grid upgrades.

Other smart charging solutions are also emerging. For instance, Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus tariff uses AI to automatically charge EVs during off-peak hours when renewable energy is most abundant and cheapest. This not only saves money for consumers but also helps balance grid load.

The UK government is also pushing for smart charging capabilities. Since July , all new home and workplace EV chargers have been required to have smart functionality, allowing them to respond to signals from the electricity system to avoid overloading the grid.

The future of public EV charging is set to be faster, smarter, and more sustainable. As these technologies continue to evolve and become more widespread, they will play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and supporting a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

As we’ve explored, the future of public EV charging lies in striking the right balance between rapid and AC charging options. This balance is crucial for meeting diverse user needs, optimising infrastructure investment, and managing grid capacity effectively.

The UK’s EV charging landscape is fast-moving, with a 38% increase in charging points in the 12 months since July . This growth brings both opportunities and challenges.

On one hand, it’s making EV ownership more viable for a broader range of people. On the other hand, it’s putting pressure on our electrical infrastructure and highlighting the need for smart, efficient charging solutions.

As we move forward, several key factors will shape the development of public EV charging:

1. Strategic placement of both rapid and AC chargers to meet varied user needs
2. Advances in charging technology, including ultra-rapid chargers and solid-state batteries
3. Integration of renewable energy sources to create a more sustainable charging network
4. Implementation of smart charging and load balancing solutions to optimise grid usage

The last point is particularly important. With more EVs hitting the roads every day, we’re facing a real challenge in managing power distribution. Even though we know our ultimate charging needs are very feasible, it’s not just about having enough chargers; it’s about using the power we have smartly.

That’s exactly why we developed LinkRay at Versinetic. It’s our answer to efficient power management, designed to make the most of every watt available at charging sites.

LinkRay allows charging station operators to optimise power distribution across multiple charging points, ensuring efficient use of available power and avoiding costly grid upgrades. This kind of smart technology will be essential in creating a public charging network that’s not only widespread but also efficient and reliable.

If you’re involved in the planning, installation, or operation of public EV charging infrastructure, it’s crucial to consider how smart charging and load balancing solutions can enhance your offering. Versinetic’s expertise in EV charger design and our LinkRay module could be the key to future-proofing your charging infrastructure.

To learn more about how Versinetic can support your EV charging projects with smart design and efficient power management, book in a call with our engineering consultants. Let’s work together to build a public charging network that’s ready for the electric future.

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