As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, so too does the need for charging infrastructure that is fast, efficient, and widely available. Among the different types of EV charging, AC Fast Charging has emerged as a promising solution that balances charging speed and infrastructure costs. This blog will explore the technology behind AC Fast Charging, its benefits and advantages, components, cost, potential applications, etc.
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Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption depends on several factors, including cost, range, and charging speed. Of these, charging speed is crucial because it affects the convenience and accessibility of EVs. If charging time is too slow, drivers will be discouraged from using EVs for long trips or daily commutes. However, as charging technology improves, the charging speed has become faster, making EVs more viable for everyday use. As more high-speed charging stations are built and the charging times continue to decrease, EV adoption will likely increase significantly.
What is AC Fast Charging?
AC fast charging is a type of electric vehicle charging that utilizes AC (alternating current) power to charge an electric vehicle’s battery rapidly. This type of charging requires a specialized charging station or wall box to deliver high power levels to the vehicle’s onboard charger. AC fast charging is faster than standard AC charging but slower than DC fast charging, which uses direct current to charge the vehicle’s battery. The charging speed of AC Fast Charging ranges from 7 to 22 kW, depending on the charging station’s capacity and the vehicle’s onboard charger.
AC Fast Charging Technical Overview
AC Charging Technology
With this technology, EV owners can now charge their vehicles at lightning-fast speeds, allowing them to travel long distances without needing extended recharge stops. AC fast charging uses a higher voltage and amperage than conventional charging methods, enabling EVs to charge up to 80% of their battery capacity in as little as 30 minutes. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about electric transportation, making it a more viable and practical option for everyday use.
AC vs. DC Charging
There are two main types of EV charging: AC charging and DC (direct current) charging. DC charging can deliver power directly to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the onboard charger and charging at speeds of up to 350 kW. However, DC charging infrastructure is more costly and complex to install and maintain. While AC charging is slower than DC charging, it is more widely available and less expensive to install.
How AC Charging Works & What Makes It Faster than Regular AC Charger
AC charging is the process of recharging an electric vehicle’s (EV) battery using alternating current (AC) power. AC charging can be done using a regular or faster AC charger. The regular AC charger uses a Level 1 charging system, which typically delivers 120 volts and up to 16 amps of power, resulting in a charging speed of around 4-5 miles of range per hour.
On the other hand, the faster AC charger uses a Level 2 charging system, which delivers 240 volts and up to 80 amps of power, resulting in a charging speed of up to 25 miles of range per hour. This increased charging speed is due to the higher voltage and amperage delivered by the Level 2 charging system, allowing more power to flow into the EV’s battery in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, Level 2 charging systems often have features like WiFi connectivity and smartphone apps to monitor and control the charging process.
Advantages Of AC Fast Charging
AC fast charging has several benefits and advantages that make it an attractive solution for EV owners and charging station operators. The most significant benefit of AC fast charging is the reduced charging time. A typical EV battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in around 30-45 minutes with an AC fast charger, compared to several hours with a regular AC charger.
Another advantage of AC fast charging is its lower infrastructure costs than DC fast charging. DC fast charging requires more complex and expensive equipment, making it more costly. Alternatively, AC fast charging can be implemented with simpler infrastructure, reducing the overall installation cost.
The simplicity of AC fast charging infrastructure also provides greater flexibility regarding installation locations. AC fast charging stations can be installed on a broader range of locations, such as parking lots, shopping centers, and public areas, making it more accessible for EV owners to charge their vehicles.
The Efficiency Of AC Fast Charging For EVs
In conjunction with its benefits, AC fast charging is also an efficient and effective solution for charging EVs. The higher power levels of AC fast charging allow more energy to be delivered to the battery in a shorter amount of time, reducing the time needed for a full charge.
Moreover, AC fast charging is more efficient than regular AC charging, as it delivers energy to the battery faster. This means less energy is lost as heat during the charging process, resulting in less energy waste and lower charging costs for the EV owner.
AC Fast Charging Components
What are the Components?
AC fast charging stations have several components that work together to provide a fast and efficient charging solution for EVs. The main components of an AC fast charging station include a power module, a communication module, a charging cable, and a user interface. The power module converts the AC power source into DC power and delivers it to the EV battery. The communication module manages the charging process, communicates with the EV, and ensures the safety of the charging process. The charging cable connects the charging station to the EV, and the user interface provides information to the EV owner and enables them to start and stop the charging process.
How These Accessories Work Together?
When an EV owner plugs their vehicle into an AC fast charging station, the charging station communicates with the EV to determine the optimal charging parameters for that particular vehicle. Once these parameters have been established, the charging station delivers power to the EV’s battery using a high-power AC cable.
The charging station also monitors the battery’s state as it charges, adjusting the charging parameters as necessary to ensure that the battery is charging at the optimal rate. Once the battery has reached its full charge, the charging station stops providing power to the vehicle, ensuring that the battery is not overcharged and that its overall lifespan is not reduced.
The Cost Of AC Fast Charging
The cost of AC fast charging can vary depending on several factors, including the charging station’s power output, the type of connector used, and the location of the charging station. In general, the cost of AC fast charging is higher than that of standard AC charging, but it is still significantly cheaper than gasoline.
The cost of AC fast charging is typically calculated based on the amount of energy consumed by the EV. This is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The cost of electricity varies depending on the location, but it is typically around $0.10 to $0.20 per kWh. Therefore, charging an EV with a 60 kWh battery from empty to full would cost around $6 to $12.
In addition to the cost of electricity, some charging stations may charge a fee for using their facilities. These fees can vary significantly depending on the location and the type of charging station. Some stations offer free charging, while others charge a flat fee or a per-minute rate.
AC Fast Charging And Battery Health
Another concern many EV owners have about fast charging is the potential impact on battery health. While it is true that fast charging can cause more wear and tear on the battery than slower charging, the impact is generally minimal.
Many EV manufacturers have designed their vehicles to be compatible with fast charging and have implemented some different technologies to help mitigate the impact on battery health. For example, some EVs use liquid cooling systems to help regulate the battery’s temperature during fast charging, reducing the likelihood of damage.
Applications Of AC Fast Charging
AC fast charging has several different applications, ranging from personal use to public infrastructure. For personal use, AC fast charging allows EV owners to quickly recharge their vehicles while on the go, making it easier for them to travel longer distances without worrying about running out of power.
For public infrastructure, AC fast charging can help support the growth of the EV market by providing reliable and convenient charging options for EV owners. This infrastructure can be deployed in many different locations, such as parking lots, rest stops, and other public areas.
Finding an AC charging station near you is easier than ever, thanks to the growing network of public charging stations and the availability of various apps and services. Most public charging stations support AC charging , particularly Level 2, which is suitable for both daily use and longer stays where you can leave your car to charge. Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Tesla’s own app can help you locate the nearest charging station, whether you’re at home, at work, or on a road trip.
What is AC Fast Charging for Tesla?
Tesla is a leader in the electric vehicle market, and its charging technology is among the most advanced. AC fast charging for Tesla vehicles operates similarly to other electric vehicles but with a few brand-specific enhancements. Tesla’s vehicles can use AC fast chargers like BESEN BS20, which is often installed at home or in public locations. This charger is capable of delivering up to 22 kW of power, depending on the model of the car and the setup of the charging infrastructure. This allows Tesla owners to charge their vehicles faster than with standard AC Level 1 chargers. However, for the fastest charging experience, Tesla drivers can also use the Supercharger network, which utilizes DC fast charging.
Challenges And Future
One of the biggest challenges is the infrastructure required to support AC fast charging. Unlike traditional charging stations, AC fast charging requires a much larger electrical capacity, so upgrading the power grid and installing high-capacity transformers and other equipment can be expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, AC fast charging can significantly strain the battery and the charging system of the vehicle, potentially reducing its lifespan and increasing the risk of overheating and other safety issues. It is essential to develop new technologies and standards that ensure the safety and reliability of AC fast charging while also making it more accessible and affordable for everyone.
The future of AC fast charging looks promising as electric vehicles become more popular and widespread. Meanwhile, many professional EV charging station manufacturers are on the market(e.g., BESEN), so it is pretty easy to get the best AC fast charging station. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology could lead to longer-lasting batteries and faster charging times. So, the future of AC fast charging is bright and will play a crucial role in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Summary
In conclusion, AC fast charging is an essential technology for the growth of the EV market. However, as the number of EVs continues to increase, some problems still need to be addressed as soon as possible. By implementing robust measures, we can also guarantee that fast AC charging will continue to be a dependable and eco-friendly method of fueling tomorrow’s electric vehicles.
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EV charging stations are becoming more commonplace. Most charging stations you see are AC chargers. Until recently, AC chargers have been the only option. But in recent years new technology known as DC Fast Chargers has been developed allowing companies to apply a different type of technology to charge vehicles faster than the standard AC chargers
The proportion of DC fast chargers to AC chargers is growing. But for many people, the question remains AC vs DC EV charging, which charging station should be used for fleet vehicles? Should companies with depots install AC chargers or DC chargers? That’s the question we’ll seek to answer in this article.
To help introduce you to the world of AC vs DC and their differences, there are two key things to remember:
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- The electricity from the grid (like a wall socket in your home) is always AC (alternating current).
- Electric Vehicle Batteries always store and use DC (direct current).
AC and DC operate differently. They flow in different ways, serve different purposes, and impact charging speed and efficiency in unique ways.
Learn more about energy management and smart charging by downloading our report, "Energy Management 101: How to Efficiently Charge Electric Fleets".
What is the Difference Between AC and DC Charging Current?
What is AC Charging for Electric Vehicles
Alternating current (AC) power can be described simply as the standard electricity that comes out of power stations and travels along power lines to homes and other buildings, sometimes referred to as mains or utility power.
What is DC Charging for Electric Vehicles
Direct current (DC) power, as the name suggests, is the electric current that moves in a straight line.
Direct current can come from multiple sources, including batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, petrol generators, and some modified alternators. DC power can also be "made" from AC power by using a rectifier that converts AC to DC.
Optimize your fleet's charging systems with our EV Charging Simulator to plan costs and charging strategy, or request a demo to start simplifying your EV management with Ampcontrol.
Differences between AC vs DC EV Chargers
Your outlet delivers AC power, and your vehicle battery needs DC power.
The only way to achieve this is to convert AC power into a DC power output. This is what we call an AC to DC converter (AC-DC converter).
AC EV Chargers require you to build this converter into your vehicle. This means that the vehicle has its own small AC-DC converter. So, the vehicle receives AC power from the charge point, then the vehicle converts it to DC power.
DC EV Chargers require you to build this converter into your charge point. This means the chargers have their own built-in AC-DC converter, and the vehicle receives DC power directly. No conversion is required inside the vehicle.
EV Charging Curves
The key difference between AC and DC charging curves lies in how much power the battery can accept over time.
AC Charging Curve
AC chargers rely on your car's built-in converter, which typically handles a constant power level. This translates to a flat charging curve on a graph. The car steadily charges the battery at a set rate until full.
DC Charging Curve
DC fast chargers have a more powerful converter and deliver DC power directly to the battery. However, for battery health reasons, the ideal charging rate isn't constant. DC charging curves typically start high, allowing for rapid initial charging. As the battery fills up, the curve slopes downward, reducing the power input to prevent overheating. This creates a decreasing, curved line on a graph.
Are Car Batteries AC or DC?
Batteries need DC power. And there is a simple reason. Just like any other battery - a car battery uses and provides DC power. This means the load flows in one single direction and is stored using a chemical process.
As mentioned, AC current changes direction periodically. To store AC, a battery’s terminal needs to change polarity (+ and -) at the same speed, which is not possible. Connecting an AC supply to a battery to store AC power means the battery charges only during the positive half-cycle and then discharges during the negative half cycle.
In other words, there is no way a car can store AC power in a battery.
Why is DC Charging Faster than AC?
The faster you want to charge a battery - the more power you need to provide. Fast charging is usually above 50 kW, and slow charging typically between 1-22 kW to provide more power when charging a battery, you need a much larger AC-DC converter.
The problem is - converting high power from AC and DC is expensive. A large converter easily costs USD 10,000.
This high-power charging is best carried out with the converters built into the charging station rather than the vehicles so you’re not dragging around heavy and expensive converters dragged around with you in your car.
That’s the main reason why DC chargers appear to be faster than AC chargers. They aren’t really any faster; it’s just much easier and cheaper to generate high-power DC output within the charger rather than convert the output from an AC charger in the vehicle itself.
When do I Choose AC EV Charging?
AC charging is best for regular charging needs such as:
Pros of AC Charging
- Cost-effective: AC chargers are generally less expensive to install and maintain.
- Widely available: AC charging stations are more common and can be found in homes, workplaces, and public parking areas.
- Gentler on battery: AC charging is typically slower and less stressful on the battery, which can help prolong its lifespan.
Cons of AC Charging
- Slower charging: AC charging takes longer to fully charge an EV compared to DC charging.
- Limited power output: AC chargers have a lower power output, which can be a drawback for EVs with larger batteries or for drivers who need a quick charge.
When do I Choose DC EV Charging?
DC chargers cost a lot more than AC chargers. DC chargers require more space and require much more complex spare parts to facilitate processes such as active cooling.
In addition, high power charging requires a high power connection to the grid. With a typical residential grid connection, you won’t be able to install a DC charger.
DC fast charging is best for situations where time is tight such as:
- Road Trips
- Low Battery Emergencies
- Fleet Vehicles
Pros of DC Charging
- Faster charging: DC chargers can significantly reduce charging time, making them ideal for long-distance travel or when time is limited.
- Higher power output: DC chargers deliver more power, allowing for faster charging of EVs with larger batteries.
Cons of DC Charging
- Expensive: DC chargers are more expensive to install and maintain due to their complex technology and higher power requirements.
- Less available: DC charging stations are less common and may be harder to find, especially in residential areas.
- Potential battery degradation: Frequent use of DC fast charging can generate heat and stress on the battery, which may lead to faster degradation over time.
The rule of thumb is: Install DC chargers when you need fast charging and install AC chargers when you don’t.
Conclusion
DC fast chargers are ideal for charging EVs that need to be back on the road quickly. But they are more expensive to install and maintain than AC chargers.
If time is of the essence for your fleet, then DC chargers are going to be the best option.
If you have a mixed fleet of vehicles - i.e., some that need fast charging and some that don’t, then a mixture of AC and DC chargers is best.
Either way, smart charging software for electric vehicles can help fleet managers to offset some or all of the extra initial outlay by reducing ongoing energy costs.
Read more about AC and DC charging here: How to mix AC and DC charging stations?
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