Difference between AC & DC Chargers

Introduction:

In the development of Electric Vehicle, we have come a long way after reinventing the wheel in the
mobility sector, which has affected each of our lives in more than one way. The transition journey from
creating a whole range of IC engines to the full scaling adoption of battery-powered vehicles is really
astonishment.

However, there are still some challenges related to “refuelling” an Electric Vehicle. Compared to IC
Engine vehicle, Electric Vehicle takes relatively more time to have a “full tank”. More specifically,
unlike ICE vehicle, where you can simply add some fuel in vehicle and ready to go in no time, Electric
Vehicle takes some time to charge its battery. In this article we will check the two basic types of
Charging, their benefit, and challenges.

Technically speaking, the most critical factors involved in the EV charging process are the
compatibility between the vehicle and charger and the time invested in charging. There are two main
types of EV chargers: AC chargers (Alternating-current) and DC chargers (Direct-current). On
common grounds, they are classified as slow (AC) and fast (DC) chargers.

Before we dive into types of EV Chargers, we also need to understand little bit about EV Battery. A
battery is charged using the DC Supply, it is true with your phone battery, laptop battery and even
Electric Vehicle Battery. As we know that Alternating Current (AC) is received from the grid it is then
converted into Direct Current (DC) for charging any battery. In case of Mobile and laptop, the AC to
DC converter is available in the charger adaptor. However, in case of EV, when we use AC Charging
the AC is converted into DC by the vehicle. Below Image will give better clarity:

However, in a DC EV charging station, the Alternating Current (AC) from the power grid is converted
to Direct Current (DC) within the charging station, which allows DC to flow directly to the battery, while
it is charging the car. Below image will provide more detail:
So, now we have understood basic types of chargers and how it operates basically.

However, why do we have two types, what are the benefits of each type, we will be sharing below.

Major Difference between AC & DC Chargers

1. The AC and DC charging main difference between is the location of the AC power
conversion. AC charger is use in ‘onboard charger’ because EV have converter built inside,
and DC charger side use converted DC power supply to vehicle.
2. AC charger is cheaper when it compared with DC charger.
3. AC charger are slow charging and small size, DC charger are fast charging and big size.
4. Every EV has an On-board AC charger and DC charger needs infrastructure and space for
installation dc charger (like E-Fill electric charging station franchise).
5. AC charger is not capable of integration with all renewable resources and DC charger
capable of integration with renewable resources.
6. AC charger does not heat up the battery to the same extent that DC charging does, and DC
charger frequent use can result in reduced battery lifespan.
7. AC charging relies on the vehicle to do the “hard work”, whereas DC charging makes sure the
work is done within the Charger before the car even plugs in meaning more power can be
delivered at once.
8. Only AC chargers can be mobile not DC EV charger because the DC charger contains an
extremely heavy converter of power. So, carrying it with you on a trip is impossible. Therefore,
only stationary models of such chargers exist.
9. Another fundamental difference between AC and DC charging is the charging curve shape.
 10. Most chargers use AC power because of the lower costs required in production, installation,
and operation compared to DC.
11. AC stands for alternate current, which is the same type of current that is supplied by your
outlets at home. DC stands for direct current, which is the type of current that is stored in your
EV battery.
12. DC-chargers are often referred to as 'fast chargers'. You'll find these chargers at specialty
charging stations like E-FILL. Installing a DC-charger is a lot more expensive than installing
an AC-charger.
13. AC-chargers are the chargers that are often installed at home addresses and public parking
spaces. The main reason for this is the fact that this type of charger is easily connected to the
existing energy network of a home or a business, but DC charger needs minimum
requirement of power resource for big amount of power conversion.
14. Installing a DC-charger is a lot more expensive than installing an AC-charger. The reason for
this is that often, big adjustments need to be made to the electric infrastructure and an
inverter needs to be installed in the charging point to make sure that the electricity is made
suitable to store in your EV's battery

Parameter AC Charger DC Charger

Charging Current Provides AC Current to On-board Provides DC current directly to
Charger batteries
Cost Relatively Cheaper Higher Costs
Charging Speed Usually limited by capacity of High Charging Speed, depends on
onboard chargers. DC Charger Capacity & Battery
Voltage
Applications Usually used at Home or Usually used at midways,
destination chargers (overnight) conventional fuel pumps & other
fast charging locations.

1. AC Charger: -

Advantages

 Cost effective
 They are available easily
 Installation is simple
  Charges at a continuous rate

Disadvantages

 They are slow in charging

 Limited power. Since the AC power depends on the capacity of
on-board charger
2. DC Charger: -

Advantages

 Fast charging facility

 Ability to charge more drivers in a day
 High power delivery rate .

Disadvantages

 High-cost product.
 Need for space for dc charger.
 Not mobile type charger.
 Not easily available in every place.
 Needs large power supply

E-FILL offers various AC charger and DC chargers. AC charging stations have a capacity of 7.4
kW, 11 kW or 22 kW. The DC charging solutions have a power of 15kW, 30kW, 60kW and even
High-power charging with 120kW is possible with charging stations from E-FILL!