A.C. and DC charging are the two different methods of charging Electric vehicles. A.C. is the alternating charging, and Dc is the direct charging. It becomes essential to understand the fundamental differences between AC and DC charging to choose the right type for your Electric vehicle, based on charging speed, mobile charging, EV home charging station, distance is another aspect to consider and many more. We have discussed the key differences in the article further.
What is AC Charging?
AC, or alternating current, is a kind of electrical flow that changes direction regularly—it goes back and forth. This type of power can be made by renewable sources such as wind or hydropower turbines. AC is particularly useful for traveling across long distances efficiently. That’s why almost all electricity grids around the world use AC power. When you plug something into the outlets in your home or office, you tap into AC power. This alternating nature of AC makes it adaptable and suitable for various power generation and distribution needs.
What is DC Charging?
Direct Current (DC) moves straight and can be generated using renewable sources like solar panels. It finds use in storing energy, running electronic devices, and powering L.E.D. lights. In storing energy, batteries are essential for storing D.C. power. When you charge your laptop, the charger changes the AC power from the grid into D.C. power, which your laptop’s battery uses.
Difference Between AC and DC Charging
1. Location of Power Conversion:
There are two types of electricity transmitters for charging electric vehicles: Alternating Current (A.C.) and Direct Current (D.C.) power. The electricity grid gives A.C. power, but electric car batteries need D.C. power. The big difference between AC and DC charging is where the A.C. power changes to DC. It can happen outside or inside the car. DC chargers are usually bigger because the converter is in the charging station. This makes them faster than AC chargers at charging the battery.
On the other hand, if you use AC charging, the changing only starts inside the car. Electric cars have a built-in AC-DC converter called an “onboard charger” that changes AC power to DC power. After this, the car’s battery gets charged.
2. Home Charging with AC Chargers:
According to the theory and benefits of DC chargers over AC charger, one can install DC chargers at home, but there are better ideas than that.
DC chargers cost much more than AC chargers. They need more space and have complex parts, like active cooling. You also need a strong connection to the power grid. So, for home charging, an AC charger is a better choice. DC charging points are usually found along highways.
3. Mobile Charging with AC:
Only AC chargers can be moved, and there are two main reasons:
- Firstly, DC chargers have a very heavy power converter. So, carrying it on a trip is impossible. They are usually fixed in one place.
- Secondly, a DC charger needs a power input of 480+ volts. Even if it could move, finding a suitable power source in many places takes a lot of work. Most public EV charging stations offer AC charging, while DC chargers are mainly on highways.
4. Speed of Charging:
Another big difference is the speed of charging. DC chargers have a converter inside them. This means power from the DC charging station goes straight into the battery, skipping the car’s onboard charger. This makes charging with direct current ten times faster than charging with alternating current.
5. Charging Curve Shape:
Another important contrast between AC and DC charging is how their power output changes during a charging session, referred to as the EV charging curve.
- AC charging curve: When using AC charging, the power going to an EV follows a flat line rather than a curve. This happens because the onboard converter in the car is relatively small and can only handle a limited amount of power spread over a longer time.
- DC charging curve: On the other hand, DC charging delivers much higher power by bypassing the car’s slower onboard converter. However, its output creates a decreasing charging curve. This happens because the EV’s battery initially takes in a lot of power but gradually accepts less as it approaches total capacity.
6. Charging and Battery Health:
Deciding between a 30-minute and a 5-hour charging session might seem straightforward. However, it’s more complicated, especially if you’re not concerned about the cost difference between fast (DC) and regular (AC) charging.
Using a DC charger frequently can negatively impact the battery. This isn’t just a made-up story; it’s a real caution from some electric car manufacturers.
A study conducted by Geotab discovered that cars relying on rapid charging more than three times a month experienced a 10% increase in battery issues after 48 months. This was particularly noticeable in hot climates.
7. Cost of Charging:
One significant difference between AC and DC charging is the cost. AC chargers are more affordable than DC chargers. DC chargers have a higher initial cost and involve additional expenses for installation and connecting to the power grid.
If saving time is crucial, using a D.C. power point can be faster, even if it requires a higher payment. However, if you can charge your electric vehicle near your workplace, there’s usually no need to spend extra on super-fast charging. Home charging is the most economical choice, and investing in your charging station is cost-effective.
A.C. Charging V/s DC Charging
Feature | A.C. Charging | DC Charging |
Power Direction | Alternates regularly, changing direction periodically | Flows consistently in one direction |
Power Generation Source | Typically, from the electricity grid | Renewable sources like solar panels can generate it |
Long-Distance Transmission | Efficient for long-distance transmission | Efficient for shorter distances, often used locally |
Charging Speed | Slower compared to D.C. charging | Faster charging, typically used for quick charging |
Charging Curve | Flat, consistent power delivery | Decreasing curve as the battery approaches full capacity |
Application | Commonly found in homes and offices, it is suitable for regular charging | Used in fast-charging stations, ideal for quick refueling |
Energy Storage | Not typically used for energy storage | Widely used for storing energy in batteries |
Types |
|
|
Example | Wall outlets in homes, office chargers | Fast-charging stations along highways, rapid chargers |
Conclusion
AC charging is commonly used for everyday charging in homes and offices, offering a cost-effective solution. On the other hand, DC charging provides faster charging at dedicated stations, making it suitable for quick refuelling, especially along highways. The choice depends on factors like charging speed requirements and infrastructure availability, contributing to the broader shift towards sustainable electric vehicle use.
F.A.Q.s
Which charger is best AC or DC?
The choice between AC and DC chargers depends on specific needs. AC chargers are suitable for regular use at home and offices due to their cost-effectiveness. In contrast, D.C. chargers are favoured for faster charging at dedicated stations, making them ideal for quick refuelling, especially on highways.
Why are D.C. Chargers Faster?
D.C. chargers are faster because they have a built-in converter. This allows power to go straight into the battery, bypassing the car’s onboard charger. This efficiency makes D.C. charging ten or more times faster than A.C. charging.
Mobile charger is AC or DC?
Most mobile chargers use A.C. power. When you charge your phone, the charger converts the AC power from the grid into D.C. power suitable for your phone’s battery.
Full Form of A.C. Charger
A.C. charger stands for Alternating Current charger.
Full form of D.C. charger
D.C. charger stands for Direct Current charger.
Understand the evolution of transport from horse carts to electric vehicles and explore how EVs are driving us toward a greener future!
Key considerations for successful EV charging infrastructure planning: site selection, utility integration, installation, and operational efficiency.
An authoritative guide to bust the most common myths about electric vehicles, making it easier to understand the real benefits of EVs.
Understand the powerful synergy between renewable energy and EV charging stations, shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future. Read on to learn more.
Can EVs really save the planet? Learn more about the environmental benefits and challenges of EVs, and how they fit into a larger sustainability strategy.
The PM E-Drive Scheme is a major step for driving the growth of EVs in India. Learn more about how it will impact the EV industry, businesses & consumers.
