AC vs DC EV Charging: Time, Costs, and Power Limits - Which One Is Right for You?

Understanding EV Charging: AC vs DC Chargers, Costs, and Time Explained

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity fast, but with this rise comes many questions. One common question we often hear is: How do EV chargers work? More specifically, what's the difference between AC and DC chargers, how much do they cost, and how long does it take to charge an EV?

If you're wondering about these things, you're in the right place! In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about EV charging in simple terms.

AC vs DC Charging: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to charging your electric car, you’ll mainly encounter two types of chargers: AC chargers and DC chargers. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty:

AC Chargers: Slow and Steady

AC chargers (Alternating Current) are the more common type, and they’re typically smaller in size. These are the chargers that you’ll most likely use at home. EV owners usually install an AC charger at home, often referred to as a wall box charger.

1. How do AC chargers work?

An AC charger works by sending power to the car’s onboard charger, which converts the alternating current to direct current (DC) to charge the battery.

2. Charging Time & Cost

Charging time with an AC charger depends on the charger’s power capacity. A standard home charger (3.3 kW) could take up to 13-14 hours to fully charge a car with a 40 kWh battery. However, a faster wall box charger (7.2 kW) can reduce that time to 7 hours.

Cost-wise, home charging is the cheapest option. If you're using a standard home meter, you’ll pay around ₹8-10 per unit of electricity. For a dedicated EV meter, the cost drops to ₹5-7 per unit. This means charging your car from 0% to 100% could cost you anywhere between ₹200-400.

DC Chargers: Fast and Expensive

On the other hand, DC chargers (Direct Current) are generally larger and more powerful. These chargers are commonly found at public charging stations. DC chargers can charge your EV much faster, but they come with a much higher price tag.

1. How do DC chargers work?

DC chargers bypass the onboard charger in your EV and send direct current straight to the battery, allowing for faster charging.

2. Charging Time & Cost

With a DC charger, your car can go from 0% to 80% in about 50 minutes. Sounds impressive, right? But the catch is that DC chargers are expensive - they can range anywhere from ₹3 lakh to ₹20 lakh depending on the speed.

As for the cost per unit, DC charging is at least 3-4 times more expensive than AC charging, with rates typically ranging from ₹16-25 per unit. For example, charging a 40 kWh battery could cost anywhere from ₹700-1000.

Why Does Charging Slow Down After 80%?

You might be wondering why it takes longer to charge after reaching 80%. Well, the reason is cell balancing. The battery management system reduces the charging speed after 80% to ensure the battery cells charge evenly and safely. So, while it might take 40-50 minutes to charge up to 80%, getting the final 20% could take an additional 20-30 minutes.

What’s the Right Charging Speed for You?

The charging speed you need depends on your specific circumstances.

• At home: For most EV owners, AC chargers are more than enough. They are convenient and cheaper to install, but they take longer to charge.
• At public stations: If you need to charge your car quickly while on the go, DC chargers are the better option. Just keep in mind the higher cost and longer charging times for the last 20%.

Conclusion

EV charging doesn't have to be complicated. Understanding the difference between AC and DC chargers, knowing the costs, and being aware of charging times are the first steps toward making your EV ownership experience as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re at home with an AC charger or using a public DC charger, there are solutions for all types of EV drivers. Keep in mind the cost, time, and your individual needs when deciding how to charge your electric vehicle.