Why are there AC charging station and DC charging station for electric vehicles?

Why are there AC charging station and DC charging station for electric vehicles? Why not unify them into one type of charging station?

The reason for dividing electric vehicle charging stations into DC and AC charging primarily lies in their charging methods and application scenarios. DC charging station, also known as fast charging station, use direct current (DC) to charge electric vehicles at a rapid rate, filling the battery in a short time. On the other hand, AC charging station, also known as slow charging station, use alternating current (AC) to charge electric vehicles at a slower pace, requiring more time to fully charge the battery.

Let’s specifically examine the following three points:

• Firstly, let’s consider the issue of current. DC charging stations use direct current, while AC charging stations use alternating current. Each current type has its own characteristics in electric vehicle charging. DC charging provides a faster charging speed, suitable for scenarios like highway service areas and parking lots where quick charges are needed. AC charging, although slower, offers a stable charging process, ideal for places like homes and offices where vehicles remain parked for longer durations.
• Secondly, let’s examine the charging scenarios. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, various charging scenarios have emerged. In densely populated areas like city centers and commercial districts with limited parking spaces, AC charging stations are more suitable to meet the charging needs of vehicles parked for extended periods. Conversely, areas with ample land resources and high traffic flow, such as highway service areas and parking lots, are better suited for DC charging stations to cater to the need for rapid charging.
• Lastly, let’s consider profitability. AC and DC charging station differ in construction and maintenance costs, leading to different profitability models. DC charging station has higher construction and maintenance costs but offer quicker charging speeds and higher usage rates, resulting in stronger profitability. On the other hand, AC charging station has lower construction and maintenance costs but slower charging speeds and lower usage rates, resulting in weaker profitability.

Different Advantages between AC and DC Charging Station：

• For AC charging station, the cost is not high, the installation process is relatively straightforward, and they do not place heavy burdens on transformers; distribution panels in residential areas can be connected directly. Most electric vehicles support AC charging via both fast and slow interfaces. Some non-standard electric vehicles can only use AC and not DC charging station.
• As for DC charging station, it converts 380V power through a transformer into high-current DC charging voltage. Electric vehicles can fully charge in one to two hours without taking up too much time.

However, a major drawback of DC charging station is the complex installation process. Due to their high charging power, they require high-quality power supply and sufficient transformer capacity. Many older neighborhoods lack the necessary infrastructure for installation.

But it should be noted that DC charging stations will be the development trend of the charging station market. Now many cities have begun to deploy and contract parking lots to operate charging stations. The investment cost of an electric vehicle charging station is tens of thousands of dollars, requiring hundreds of thousands for a full parking lot setup. Currently, demand for DC charging station exceeds supply, with high utilization rates in parking lots; typically, equipment costs can be recouped within a year.

Therefore, both AC and DC charging stations have their own advantages. For new developments, planning for DC charging stations is ideal. For older neighborhoods, AC charging is preferable to meet user needs without overburdening the neighborhood transformers.

In conclusion, the division of electric vehicle charging stations into AC and DC charging types is mainly due to differences in charging methods and application scenarios. Therefore, it’s important to select the appropriate charging method based on usage scenarios and the needs of vehicle owners to meet the demands of electric vehicle development.