Different charging modes explained
In the realm of physics, electrical current comes in two primary forms: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). These forms are distinguished by the direction in which the electric charge flows:
Alternating Current (AC): ➡️⬅️
In AC, the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. This is the type of electricity typically supplied by power plants and used in households and businesses.
Direct Current (DC): ➡️➡️
In DC, the electric charge flows in a single, constant direction. Batteries, fuel cells, and solar panels typically generate DC.
In the context of emobility, these two forms of electrical current lead to major differences when it comes to how EVs and chargers work as well as their charging behaviour.
Mechanism:
AC charging involves the transfer of AC electricity from the grid to the vehicle. The vehicle's onboard charger converts this AC into DC to store it in the battery.
DC charging involves converting AC power from the grid into DC power within the charging station itself. This DC power is then directly supplied to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the onboard charger.
Use case:
AC chargers are widely available and usually found in residential areas, workplaces, and public parking spaces. AC charging is slower compared to DC charging making it more suited for overnight charging or situations where the vehicle can be left to charge for several hours such as at workplaces.
DC chargers provide rapid charging capabilities, significantly reducing the time needed to recharge an EV, which is particularly beneficial for long-distance travel and fleet operations.They are usually found along highways, at commercial charging stations, and other strategic locations where quick charging is essential.