DC Fast Charging and AC Slow Charging

Electric vehicles utilize charging stations for energy replenishment, which can be categorized into two charging modes: DC fast charging and AC slow charging. Do you know the differences between these two charging modes?

Differences between DC Fast Charging and AC Slow Charging:

DC Fast Charging refers to high-power direct current charging. It converts alternating current from the grid into direct current and delivers it to the electric vehicle’s fast charging port, allowing energy to directly enter the battery for charging. It can charge up to 80% in as fast as half an hour.

AC Slow Charging, on the other hand, is alternating current charging. It utilizes an AC charging interface to input AC electricity from the grid into the electric vehicle’s slow charging port. Through the vehicle’s onboard charging unit, AC is converted to DC before being inputted into the battery, completing the charging process. Typically, it takes 6 to 8 hours for most models to fully charge the battery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DC Fast Charging:

Advantages:

• Shorter charging time.
• Higher voltage in DC charging requires a rectifier to convert AC to DC, placing higher demands on the battery’s voltage resistance and safety.

Disadvantages:

• Rapid charging with large currents and power can significantly impact the battery, potentially causing battery depletion.
• DC Fast charging generates higher temperatures, accelerating battery aging and shortening its lifespan, leading to frequent battery failures.

Advantages and Disadvantages of AC Slow Charging:

Advantages:

• Charges devices at a slower rate, minimizing battery depletion.
• Lower charging currents, typically below 10 A, and maximum power of 2.2 kW reduce heat and battery pressure, extending battery life.

Disadvantages:

Longer charging time, often taking several hours to fully charge depleted batteries.

When charging electric vehicles, it’s essential to consider:

1.Charging Time: Avoid overcharging and plan charging times in advance to prevent running out of power during travel.

2.Charging Frequency: Charge the EVs daily to maintain the battery in a shallow cycle state and extend its lifespan.

3.Storage: Avoid battery depletion during storage by charging it monthly to maintain its condition. Start the vehicle periodically even if it’s not used frequently.

Both fast and slow charging methods have their advantages and disadvantages. For pure electric vehicles, battery maintenance costs can be high. Therefore, it’s recommended to prioritize slow charging over fast charging to maximize battery lifespan.

Regarding the knowledge of DC Fast Charging and AC Slow Charging, we have provided a detailed introduction. We hope this article will help you understand it. You can continue to follow our blogs for more information about EV chargers. If you have any question, feel free to contact us anytime, we’ll try our best to help you.