As a business owner, buying an electric car can be a smart investment. Not only are you contributing to a better environment, but you can also save costs on fuel. However, charging your electric car is not as easy as fuelling a petrol or diesel car. There are two types of charging technologies: AC charging and DC charging. In this article, we will explain the difference between the two technologies and which type suits your business best.

AC charging

AC charging is the most common charging technology and is used in most public charging stations, as well as home and office chargers. AC charging works by converting alternating current from the electricity grid into direct current, which charges your electric car’s battery. The charging rate varies depending on the current of the charging station and the capacity of your electric car’s battery.
The advantage of AC charging is that it is less expensive to install than DC charging. AC chargers are also compatible with most electric cars and are available everywhere. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking to install a charging station for their employees or customers.
However, the disadvantage of AC charging is that it is slower than DC charging. It can take several hours to fully charge your car’s battery, which is not ideal if you are looking for a fast charging solution. This can also be a limitation for companies that need to quickly charge their electric vehicle fleet between uses.

DC charging

DC charging, also known as fast charging, is designed to charge your electric car’s battery much faster than AC charging. This is possible because DC charging directly uses the direct current from the electricity grid to charge your car’s battery, without the need to convert it. This means less energy is lost in the conversion process and your car is charged much faster.
The advantage of DC charging is that it is much faster than AC charging and you can charge your car to 80% in just 30 minutes. This is especially useful for businesses that need to charge their electric fleet quickly between uses, such as taxi companies or courier services. DC charging is also useful for charging stations along motorways, allowing drivers to quickly recharge their car during long journeys.
The disadvantage of DC charging is that it is more expensive to install than AC charging. Moreover, not all electric cars support DC charging. Some electric cars only have AC charging. So it is important to check which charging technologies your electric car supports before buying a charging station.

Which choice is best for your business?

The choice between AC charging and DC charging depends on your specific needs as a business. If your business is located along a motorway or in a location where fast charging is required, DC charging is the best choice. If your electric fleet consists mainly of cars that only support AC charging, then AC charging is the best option.

It is also important to consider your company’s budget and installation capabilities. If your company needs only a few charging points, AC charging may be the most cost-effective option. But if your company has a large fleet that needs fast charging, DC charging may be the best option, even if it is more expensive to install.
Finally, you should also consider the compatibility of the charging station with the electric cars in your fleet. It is important to ensure that the charging station supports the right charging technology for the cars in your fleet.

Conclusion

In summary, the difference between AC charging and DC charging lies in the speed of charging and the cost of installation. AC charging is a more widespread technology compatible with most electric cars and more cost-effective to install, but it takes longer to charge your car. DC charging is faster and more convenient for businesses that want fast charging, but it is more expensive to install and not all electric cars support this technology. To determine which option is best for your business, consider your company’s needs, budget and the compatibility of charging stations with the electric cars in your fleet.