What is DC Fast Chargers

DC Fast Charging Explained

AC charging is the simplest kind of charging to find – outlets are everywhere and almost all EV chargers you encounter at homes, shopping plazas, and workplaces are Level 2 AC chargers.  An AC charger provides power to the on-board charger of the vehicle, converting that AC power to DC in order to enter the battery. The acceptance rate of the on-board charger varies by brand but is limited for reasons of cost, space and weight. This means that depending on your vehicle it can take anywhere from four or five hours to over twelve hours to fully charge at Level 2.

DC Fast Charging bypasses all of the limitations of the on-board charger and required conversion, instead providing DC power directly to the battery, charging speed has the potential to be greatly increased. Charging times are dependent on the battery size and the output of the dispenser, and other factors, but many vehicles are capable of getting an 80% charge in about or under an hour using most currently available DC fast chargers.

DC fast charging is essential for high mileage/long distance driving and large fleets. The quick turnaround enables drivers to recharge during their day or on a small break as opposed to being plugged in overnight, or for many hours, for a full charge.

Older vehicles had limitations that only allowed them to charge at 50kW on DC units (if they were able to at all) but newer vehicles are now coming out that can accept up to 270kW. Because battery size has increased significantly since the first EVs hit the market, DC chargers have been getting progressively higher outputs to match – with some now being capable of up to 350kW.

Currently, in North America there are three types of DC fast charging: CHAdeMO, Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla Supercharger.

All major DC charger manufacturers offer multi-standard units that offer the ability to charge via CCS or CHAdeMO from the same unit. The Tesla Supercharger can only service Tesla vehicles, however Tesla vehicles are capable of using other chargers, specifically CHAdeMO for DC fast charging, via an adapter.

DC Fast Charger

COMBINED CHARGING SYSTEM (CCS)

The Combined Charging System (CCS) is based on open and universal standards for electric vehicles. The CCS combines single-phase AC, three-phase AC and DC high-speed charging in both Europe and the US – all in a single, easy to use system.

The CCS includes the connector and inlet combination as well as all the control functions. It also manages communications between the electric vehicle and the infrastructure. As a result, it provides a solution to all charging requirements.

CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO is a DC charging standard for electric vehicles. It enables seamless communication between the car and the charger. It is developed by CHAdeMO Association, which is also tasked with certification, ensuring compatibility between the car and the charger.

The Association is open to every organization that works for the realization of electro mobility. The Association, established in Japan, now has hundreds of members from around the globe. In Europe, CHAdeMO members based in the branch office in Paris, France, actively reach out to and work with the European members.

CHAdeMO

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla has installed their own proprietary chargers throughout the country (and the world) to provide long distance driving capability to Tesla vehicles. They are also placing chargers in urban areas that are available for drivers through their daily lives. Tesla is currently has over 1,600 Supercharger stations across North America

A Selection of US-Sold Vehicles and their DC Fast Charging Standards