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In this article, we explain the difference between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging — including how they work, where they’re used, and their main advantages and disadvantages.
What Is AC Charging?
AC charging (Alternating Current) is the most common way to charge electric vehicles.
In this method, electricity from the grid is delivered to the vehicle, where the onboard charger converts AC into DC — the form required to charge the battery.
Typical Characteristics:
Power: 3.7 – 22 kW
Charging Time: several hours up to a full day (depending on the vehicle and power level)
Plug Types: Type 1 (North America/Japan), Type 2 (Europe)
Use Case: home charging, workplace charging, public parking
Advantages:
Affordable installation and setup
Simple, widely available infrastructure
Ideal for daily charging routines
Disadvantages:
Significantly slower charging times
Limited by the vehicle’s onboard charger capacity
What Is DC Charging?
DC charging (Direct Current) is a fast-charging method for electric vehicles.
Here, the power is converted to DC outside the vehicle and then sent directly to the battery — bypassing the onboard charger for much faster charging.
Typical Characteristics:
Power: 50 – 350 kW
Charging Time: around 30–60 minutes for a substantial charge
Plug Types: CCS (Europe/North America), CHAdeMO (Japan)
Use Case: highways, service stations, fast-charging hubs
Advantages:
Extremely fast charging times
Perfect for long-distance travel and quick top-ups
Disadvantages:
Higher installation and maintenance costs
More demanding infrastructure requirements
Less common than AC charging stations
AC vs. DC Charging at a Glance
Feature | AC Charging | DC Charging |
Power | 3.7 – 22 kW | 50 – 350 kW |
Charging Time | Several hours | 30–60 minutes |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Installation | Simple | Complex, requires specialized equipment |
Use Case | Home, workplace, city charging | Highways, fast-charging stations |
Availability | Very common | Less common |
Plug Types | Type 1, Type 2 | CCS, CHAdeMO |
Conclusion
AC charging is ideal for daily charging at home or work, where longer charging times are not an issue.
DC charging, on the other hand, is perfect for long trips or quick stops, where speed matters most.
Both technologies complement each other and are essential parts of a flexible, modern EV charging experience with StromNow.
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