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The two electric vehicle charging technologies are alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The ChargeNet network is made up of both AC and DC chargers, so it is important to understand the difference between these two technologies.
Alternating current (AC) charging is slower, much like charging at home. AC chargers are generally found in the home, workplace settings, or public locations and will charge an EV at levels from 7.2kW to 22kW. Our AC chargers support the Type 2 charging protocol. These are BYO cables, (untethered). You’ll often find these stations in a carpark or workplace where you can park for at least an hour.
DC (direct current), often referred to as fast or rapid chargers, means much higher power outputs, which equates to much faster charging. DC chargers are bigger, faster, and an exciting breakthrough when it comes to EVs. Ranging from 22kW – 300kW, the latter adding up to 400km in 15 minutes for supported vehicles*. Our DC rapid charging stations support both CHAdeMO and CCS-2 charging protocols. These always have a cable attached (tethered), which you plug directly into your car.
Our DC rapid chargers keep you moving when you are travelling intercity or exceeding your daily range locally. Learn more about how long it might take to charge your EV.
Depending on the EV, DC fast chargers can currently produce a 10-80% charge for a 300-mile range battery in approximately 20 minutes (~540 miles of electric drive per hour of charging).
Currently available DC fast chargers require inputs of at least 480 volts and 100 amps, but newer chargers are capable of up to 1000 volt and 500 amps (up to 360 kW).
A CALeVIP Cost Data analysis found that the unit cost per charger for rebate recipients ranged from a minimum of $18,000 to a maximum of $72,500. The mean and median unit cost per charger was $29,135 and $23,000, respectively.
In addition to higher equipment costs, DC fast charger installations require a commercial electrician from the initial planning phase due to the electrical load and wiring requirements.
DC fast chargers are the highest-powered EV chargers on the market. They often are used as range extenders along major travel corridors for long-distance trips and in urban environments to support drivers without home charging or very high mileage drivers. At current charging speeds, they are ideal for places where a person would spend 30 minutes to an hour, such as restaurants, recreational areas and shopping centers.
It is important to note that not every EV model is capable of DC fast charging, and therefore, they cannot be used by every EV driver. Further, DC fast chargers have multiple standards for connectors, whereas there is only one common standard for Level 1 and 2 charging (SAE J1772). DC fast chargers have three types of connectors: CHAdeMO, CCS and Tesla, though CCS is increasingly becoming the industry standard.
For more information, please visit Ground Mounted Dc Charger.