What is DC fast charging and why do you need it? A DC fast charging unit is a charging station for an electric vehicle. Accessibility to this charger type plays a fundamental role in the purchase and usability of an EV. As EVs transform the automobile industry, there is pressure to understand the entire DCFC infrastructure.
You should learn how it recharges the battery and varies from the level 1 and 2 AC chargers that emerged first. Getting this knowledge is even more crucial if you intend to buy an EV for long-distance trips. This article shares all this knowledge, encouraging you to purchase an EV if you have not.
Overview
What is a DC fast charger? DC Fast Charging (DCFC) is an EV charging technique that transfers direct current power into an EV’s battery. Unlike the alternating current level 1 and 2 chargers, the DCFC does not need the auto’s onboard charger to turn AC into DC.
Its approach is different, faster, and more reliable when your EV runs out of charge far away from home or office. A DC charger charges a car within a few minutes, making it a suitable choice when you need to recharge and proceed with your trip. While AC chargers take the entire night to charge an auto, a DC fast charger can do the job in 30 minutes.
Direct current fast charging stations are rare in residential areas because most EV owners rely on readily available level 1 and 2 chargers. Instead, these are commercial charging stations that require a high power output to operate flawlessly.
Pros and Cons of DCFC
What is a DC fast charger and how can it benefit the user? DC fast chargers charge an EV rapidly. They can generate eighty percent of the charge within twenty to sixty minutes. When you need to charge your EV urgently, your first choice should be a DC rapid charger.
The DC fast charging speed is so high that most long-distance drivers always prefer it. As more E-trucks hit the road, many rapid charging stations will crop up. These stations are here to stay because the EV automotive industry is growing fast. The fastest DC charger now can produce a high power output of 350kW.
What is a DC fast charger and how does its power output compare to AC chargers?If you compare this to level 2’s maximum power output of 19kw, you will understand why DCFC is more efficient. It is even more convenient for recharging large EVs with high-capacity batteries. If you keep a DCFC charging station, you can refill several EVs in 24 hours. This can increase your ROI. Here is a summary of its pros:
- A DC fast charging unit can convert grid power within its system and transfer it into a battery directly.
- DC fast charging is the swiftest in the history of EV charging systems.
- Large trucks using EV batteries with high DC power output can benefit more from this charging method.
- Long-distance drivers find DC fast chargers more convenient because they lower the charging time.
A DC charging station has its cons, including:
- DC fast chargers are not an option for every electric vehicle existing today.
- DCFC stations are expensive to install and maintain.
- Regular rapid charging can gradually destroy your battery.
Steps of Using a DC Fast Charger
What is a DC fast charger and which steps should you follow to use it correctly? Here is how to start using DC fast chargers in your country:
- Look for the closest DCFC station. Some DC rapid chargers, including the Tesla Supercharger, have a tool that automatically locates a charging station for you.
- Park your EV near a DC charger. Turn it off, open its charging port, and check if the EV DC fast charger’s display shows the “Ready” or the “Idle” signal status.
- Check the charging station’s connectors and choose the most suitable type for your EV. Many DC rapid chargers accept CHAdeMO and Combined Charging Systems. Tesla EVs use the Supercharger. After attaching the connector to the EV, the fast charger will recognize the car and start communicating.
- Start the DC fast charging equipment using a mobile app or interface. The EV charger has a display that will confirm the charging session and show the status. You can also check the EV’s dashboard to know the charging status. Keep monitoring the progress until minutes later when the charger will replenish the battery’s energy reserves.
What Charging Time Guarantees Optimal Speeds?
What is a DC fast charger and when is the optimal time to use it? One factor that can help you determine the optimal time for charging your EV is its current state of charge (SOC). If your SOC ranges between 20 and 80 percent, you can expect to charge faster if you connect your EV to a charging station.
This way, you can minimize overall charging time and continue traveling. If your SOC is over 80 percent, you do not have to recharge the EV. Avoid DC fast charging if the SOC is lower than 10 percent. What is a DC fast charger and do these situations affect battery life? These two situations can increase the risk of battery damage.
How do AC and DC EV Chargers Vary?
Level 1 and 2 AC chargers vary from Level 3(DC fast Charging) options. You can answer this now: what is a DC fast charger? However, you need to know what level 1 and 2 AC chargers are to differentiate them from the level 3 public charging stations.
The level 1 charger is the 120V AC socket you have at home. You connect your EV directly to this socket for overnight charging. The level 2 charger for EVs is a 240V station that works as a faster alternative to the level 1 option. What is a DC fast charger and how does it differ from the other two options? Here is how we outline their differences:
- Current Type – Level 1 and 2 chargers use AC power. DC fast chargers use direct current power.
- Power Output Level – Level 1 generates 1.3 to 2.4kW. Level 2 chargers supply 3.3 to 19.2 kilowatts. On the other hand, the DC fast charging voltage is higher, offering a power output of 50 to 350 kilowatts.
- Kind of Charger – Level 1 is a 120-volt charger, while Level 2 is a 240-volt station. Level 3 chargers are public EV charging stations that draw power from the main electricity grid.
- Optimal Charging Time – EV owners use level 1 or 2 chargers to recharge their EV batteries overnight. DC fast chargers are suitable for quick battery boosts when traveling far.
- Compatibility – Both AC chargers are compatible with all EVs. On the contrary, DC fast chargers may not connect to some EVs.
- Versatility – Level 1 and 2 chargers are more versatile, as you can use them at home or office. Conversely, level 3 chargers require thoroughly scrutinized installation locations and more funds. No wonder they are less common in residential areas.
- Connectors – Levels 1 and 2 use J1772 connectors in the USA and Type 2 options in Europe. Conversely, Level 3 chargers often work with CCS, CHAdeMO, or Tesla Supercharger connectors.
Conclusion
What is a DC fast charger? It is a charger that charges an electric vehicle more rapidly using direct current. You still connect the EV to an AC station. However, the DC fast charger’s system converts it automatically without the onboard converter.
The DCFC charges an EV faster than Level 1 and 2 chargers. If you are a long-distance EV truck driver or use your personal EV more than an ordinary motorist, a direct current fast charger is a great option.
