When it comes to charging electric cars, we often come across the terms “AC” and “DC.” These refer to the type of charging: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The two solutions are ideal for different purposes and environments.
AC charging – the basis of home and public chargers:
AC charging is the most common, used mainly in homes or office environments. The car's own built-in charger converts the alternating current into direct current, which is fed to the battery. AC chargers typically have a power output of between 3.7 and 22 kW - the most common home chargers are 7.4 or 11 kW.
DC charging – the speed champion:
DC chargers deliver direct current directly to the car battery, avoiding the conversion process and providing much faster charging. These chargers typically deliver 50–350 kW of power and are mainly found at charging stations along highways.
Which one do you choose?
For home use, AC charging is best: it's cheaper, easier, and sufficient for daily charging. DC charging is useful if you're on a long trip and want to get going quickly - for example, reaching 80% charge in 20-30 minutes.
Important: Your car's charging capabilities may also limit how much power it can accept, so always check the manufacturer's specifications.
