How to Choose Between DC and AC Fast Charging Stations for Your EV

EVs have taken the world by storm for car buyers across the globe. And there are many good reasons for this. First and foremost, electric cars are better for the environment, as they don’t pollute the air, unlike regular gas cars. One great way to keep our planet clean and healthy. Second, electric vehicle ownership can end up saving you a lot of money, as they are cheaper to operate than gas vehicles on average. Plus, they require less repair and maintenance, which translates into fewer visits to the shop.

However, if you have an electric vehicle you still need somewhere to charge it. Unlike a gas car, you can’t just pull over to a gas station and fill up. There are so many charging stations — how do you choose between DC charging and AC charging station  for your electric vehicle? Let’s delve into this a bit more.

Pros and Cons of DC vs. AC Charging for Evs

There are two primary charging stations when we speak of charging stations: DC(Direct current) and AC(Alternating current). DC charging stations are generally much stronger and more powerful than their AC counterparts. They are capable of charging your electric vehicle far quicker—sometimes up to 10 times faster than AC stations. This feature will be very useful for everyone who is in a hurry to charge their car. A DC be charge charging station can save some time for the really important appointment or long-distance travel.

Conversely, AC charging stations have lower efficiency, but they can be found almost anywhere, such as parking lots, shopping malls, and various public sites. These locations are much more convenient for drivers who may not want a fast-to-charge electric vehicle. If you don't have anywhere to be, you can simply charge your EV on an AC station while you run other errands.

What is another advantage of AC charging stations is that they are typically less expensive to install and maintain. For example, because DC charging stations require specialized equipment, they can be more complicated and expensive to set up. This can make them more difficult to find and get in certain regions.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Charger

But when you have to choose between DC and AC charging stations, there are several factors to keep in mind:

The Size of Your EVs Battery: The size of your electric vehicle's battery is very important. If your battery is small, say less than 40 kWh, you may not need the fast charging afforded by a DC station. But, if your battery is bigger—such as more than 80 kWh—a DC charging station can be used to help you recharge quickly when you need to.

How Far You Drive: Another thing to consider is how far you typically drive. If you do mostly long-distance travel, a DC charging station is very handy. It helps you charge your car in no time so you can be back on the road without losing too much time.

Your Budget: Last, your budget is a critical element. DC units, on the other hand, are typically pricier than AC charging stations. So, how much are you ready to spend on charging solutions? You want a practical solution and affordable for you.

DC and AC Charging Stations Explained

Now, let’s take a closer look at how DC and AC charging stations function. DC charging stations are significantly more powerful, since they charge the EV's battery directly. They convert AC power (the type of power that comes out of outlets in your house) to DC power, what electric vehicles require to be able to charge their batteries.

Level II or AC charging stations use the same type of power you would get in a home or office. JuiceBox Commercial 40A Electric Car Charging Station 42% OffThese stations provide the charge as AC power, in front of the car and convert it to DC power. It makes this less powerful, why charging your vehicle is a slower process at an AC station.

Examining the Cost of DC vs Design Reductions

As noted earlier, DC charging stations tend to be costlier to install and operate than AC stations. Consider carefully, however, the costs before you decide.

DC charging stations are more expensive, but they are able to fully charge your vehicle much faster than an AC charging station. Of course, if you're doing a lot of long-distance travel, it's never going to be a bad idea to buy a DC charging station, in the long term, it saves you time and allows you to stay on the road.

But if your electric vehicle battery is small and you don’t take long trips all that often, you might find a Level 2 AC charging station more economical for you. Reviewing advantages and disadvantages to help decide what suits your requirements best is essential.

How To Select A Suitable Charging Station for Your EV

With a growing demand due to rise in EV, selecting the right EV charger is essential and the key aspect of owning electric vehicle. This requires knowing key information such as your EV’s battery capacity, how much you drive, and your budget.

If you've got a smaller battery, an AC charging station could be your best bet. It is possible to be more economical, in the long run it can save you money. If, however, you have a larger battery and travel long distances regularly, then a DC charging station might be a better investment. It is essential for quick and efficient charging and helps making your journeys much simpler.