Guide to DC Fast Charging – Why it Matters

Understanding DC Fast Charging

DC charging is the short name for Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), and is often referred to as rapid, or ultra-fast charging. DC charging is a high-speed method of charging an electric vehicle, achieved through bypassing the car’s onboard converter and directly charging the battery. This type of charging is proving essential for high-mileage/long-distance driving and large fleets. Where an AC charge can take anywhere from four hours to twelve hours to charge fully, a DC charger is capable of powering an 80% charge in under an hour. This produces huge operational savings for commercial and fleet drivers. The quick turnaround means drivers can charge during a break, rather than plugging in overnight.

DC Technology Explained

DC fast chargers produce an output between 150-350 kilowatts (kW), making them the fastest and most powerful on the market.

Unlike Alternating Current (AC) power, which continually reverses its direction of flow, Direct Current (DC) electricity flows in a single direction, providing a stable flow that allows for constant, efficient charging. This makes DC charging speeds up to 10-15 times faster than a home plug.

DC chargers take AC power straight from the grid.
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DC charger converts it to DC power.
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DC charger pushes it directly into the car’s battery.

The time saved by charging a vehicle using DC produces exceptional efficiency benefits for commercial and fleet businesses, which is partly offset by higher investment and charging costs.

AC vs. DC Charging

Cost – DC charging may be fast, but it comes at a price. Fast chargers are significantly more expensive to purchase and install than AC chargers due to their high-power infrastructure and specialised equipment. This extra cost is passed on to consumers in the form of a higher rate per kilowatt hour (kWh). AC chargers are more suited to home use, where overnight charging is the norm.

Speed – Direct Current charging is significantly faster than Alternating Current because it bypasses the vehicle’s onboard converter, sending power directly to the battery at higher rates. AC charging requires the car’s internal converter to transform the grid’s AC power into the DC power the battery needs, which is much slower.

Location – In AC charging, the AC power is converted to DC using the vehicle’s on-board converter, which is time-consuming. With AC fast charging, the conversion takes place in the charging station, before the power is delivered to the vehicle. This means the power reaches the vehicle battery much faster.

Frequency – DC power is constant, reliable and has zero frequency because it flows in one single direction. AC power continually changes direction to and from the vehicle’s onboard converter. This produces an uneven flow of electricity.

AC and DC charging are valuable parts of the EV power ecosystem. But while AC is more suited to home, overnight charging, DC is becoming the preferred choice for commercial, high-power applications. For fleet operators, commercial applications and individuals requiring rapid top-up, DC charging is a powerful solution.

Business and Fleet Applications

As the saying goes, ‘Time is Money’, and DC fast charging is a testament to this, as facilities are becoming increasingly critical for many businesses. Delivery fleets, taxis and other logistical operations rely heavily on DC charging if their fleet is electric. Operationally, AC charging is a non-starter where continuous available drive time is required. DC fast charging benefits many other businesses. Commercial property owners attract clients by installing fast chargers on site, and retail outlets attract foot traffic if customers can charge while they shop.

The Future of EV Charging

Market trends indicate that DC charging is the method motorists are increasingly opting for over AC. The sector is experiencing exponential growth, fuelled by a significant increase in fast-charging infrastructure driven by both government and private funding. The aim is to achieve a widespread, convenient and fast charging infrastructure that meets the needs of the growing EV ownership market.

Ultra-rapid and bidirectional charging (V2G) to integrate EVs into the power grid is on the horizon. Advanced power management technology will balance loads across charging stations and manage energy distribution, preventing overloading and optimising energy.

If time is crucial to your business, DC charging matters.

At Vital EV, our experienced team offers comprehensive installation and maintenance solutions for DC charging requirements. Our services extend to EV bus charging stations, electric truck charging solutions and extensive fleet services. We provide annual maintenance, over-the-air updates, and continuous charger monitoring. Future-proof your business with commercial EV charging solutions installed and maintained by manufacturer-certified experts.