DC Fast Chargers The Future of EV Charging: Benefits and Drawbacks

DC fast charging is a type of electric vehicle (EV) charging that bypasses the on-board charger and charges the battery directly with DC power. This allows for much faster charging times compared to Level 1 or Level 2 charging. In this post, we will explore how DC fast charging works and when it is best to use it.

How DC fast charging works

DC fast charging works by providing DC power directly to an electric vehicle’s battery, bypassing the onboard charger. The AC-to-DC conversion happens in the charging station before the electrons enter the vehicle. This allows for a much faster charge than Level 1 or Level 2 charging. DC fast charging utilizes commercial-grade three-phase connections and delivers DC power directly to the electric vehicle’s battery. Once charging gets started, the battery warms up and the car may ask for more power, enabling faster charging. DC fast charging is essential for high mileage/long-distance driving and large fleets, as 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.

Level 2 charge vs DC fast charge: What does your EV feels

From a vehicle point of view, Level 2 charging is slower than DC fast charging. Level 2 charging typically provides power at a rate of 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW, depending on the charger and the vehicle’s capabilities. This means that Level 2 charging can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight to fully charge an electric vehicle’s battery, depending on the size of the battery and the charging rate.

On the other hand, DC fast charging can provide power at a much faster rate, up to 350 kW, which can charge an electric vehicle’s battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes to 1 hour. This makes DC fast charging ideal for long-distance travel and quick recharging during a busy day.

However, it’s important to note that not all electric vehicles are capable of accepting DC fast charging. Many plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) do not work with fast chargers, and some battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may have a lower maximum charging rate that limits the effectiveness of DC fast charging. Therefore, it’s important to check the vehicle’s specifications before deciding which type of charging to use.

What is the on-board charger doing in DC fast charge

In DC fast charging, the onboard charger is bypassed, which means it is not being used during the charging process. Instead, the DC fast charging station performs the AC-to-DC conversion before the electrons enter the electric vehicle’s battery. This means that the DC power is delivered directly to the battery, without going through the onboard charger. As a result, DC fast charging can provide a much faster charge than Level 1 or Level 2 charging, which rely on the onboard charger to convert AC power to DC power.

Should I charge my EV to full with DC fast charger

It is not necessary to charge your electric vehicle (EV) to full with a DC fast charger every time you charge. In fact, it is recommended to only use DC fast charging when necessary, such as when you need to quickly charge your EV during a long trip or when you don’t have access to a Level 2 charger for an extended period of time.

Charging your EV to 80% with a DC fast charger is generally enough to get you to your next destination or to a Level 2 charger where you can fully charge your EV at a slower rate. Charging to 100% with a DC fast charger can also reduce the lifespan of your battery due to the high charging rate and temperature generated during the charging process.

It’s important to note that the optimal charging strategy for your EV may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits and charging needs. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific charging recommendations.

Can I install fast DC charge at home

No, it is not currently possible to install a DC fast charger at home. DC fast chargers are designed for industrial and commercial settings and require a 440-volt DC power supply to operate. Homes and other residential buildings operate on the grid, which only provides AC power. Installing a DC charger in a home would require significant structural changes and a lot of money.

However, there are Level 2 chargers that can be installed in homes and can provide a faster charge than a standard 120-volt outlet. Level 2 chargers typically provide power at a rate of 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW, depending on the charger and the vehicle’s capabilities. This means that Level 2 charging can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight to fully charge an electric vehicle’s battery, depending on the size of the battery and the charging rate.

Does DC fast charge cost more than level 2 public charge

Yes, DC fast charging is generally more expensive than Level 2 public charging. The cost of DC fast charging varies depending on the charging station and location, but it is typically priced per minute or kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used. The cost per minute can range from $0.10 to $0.50, and the cost per kWh can range from $0.20 to $0.40, depending on the charging station and location.

In comparison, Level 2 public charging is typically priced per kWh of electricity used and can range from $0.10 to $0.30 per kWh, depending on the charging station and location.

It’s important to note that the cost of charging your electric vehicle can also vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the utility provider. Some charging stations may offer discounts or promotions for certain times or days, so it’s always a good idea to check the pricing and any available discounts before charging your electric vehicle.

DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger

DC fast chargers and Tesla Superchargers are both types of DC fast charging stations, but they are designed for different electric vehicle (EV) models and have different charging speeds and costs.

Tesla Superchargers are exclusive to Tesla vehicles and are capable of delivering up to 250 kW of power, which can charge a Tesla vehicle’s battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes to 1 hour. The cost of charging at a Tesla Supercharger varies depending on the location and can range from $0.28 to $0.36 per kWh of electricity used.

DC fast chargers, on the other hand, are compatible with a wider range of EV models and can deliver up to 350 kW of power, which can charge an EV’s battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes to 1 hour. The cost of charging at a DC fast charger varies depending on the location and can range from $0.20 to $0.40 per kWh of electricity used, or $0.10 to $0.50 per minute of charging time.

It’s important to note that not all EV models are compatible with Tesla Superchargers, and not all Tesla models are compatible with DC fast chargers. There is a special tesla ccs adapter that enables Tesla to be charged in a DC fast charging station.

It’s recommended to check the vehicle’s specifications and charging capabilities before deciding which type of charging to use.

How does the DC charger communicate with your EV

When an electric vehicle (EV) is connected to a DC fast charger, the charger unit communicates with the EV to determine the appropriate charging rate and to ensure that the battery is charged safely. This communication is done through a protocol called the Combined Charging System (CCS) or CHAdeMO, depending on the type of charging connector used.

The CCS and CHAdeMO protocols allow the charger unit and the EV to exchange information about the charging process, such as the battery state of charge, the maximum charging rate, and the remaining charging time. This information is used to optimize the charging process and to ensure that the battery is charged safely.

The communication between the charger unit and the EV is done through a set of pins and signals on the charging connector. These pins and signals carry information about the charging process, such as the charging voltage, the charging current, and the communication protocol.

Overall, the communication between the charger unit and the EV is an important part of the DC fast charging process, as it ensures that the battery is charged safely and efficiently.

What is the disadvantages of DC fast charging

One disadvantage of DC fast charging is that it can be more expensive than Level 2 charging, which can make it less accessible to some electric vehicle (EV) owners. Additionally, DC fast charging can generate more heat and put more stress on the battery, which can lead to faster battery degradation over time. This is because DC fast charging delivers a high amount of power to the battery in a short amount of time, which can cause the battery to heat up and degrade more quickly than with slower charging methods.

Another disadvantage of DC fast charging is that it is not universally compatible with all EV models. Some EV models may have a lower maximum charging rate that limits the effectiveness of DC fast charging, while others may not be compatible with DC fast chargers at all. This can make it difficult for EV owners to find a charging station that is compatible with their vehicle, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure (source: Konsyse, Treehugger).

Conclusion

DC fast charging is a game-changing technology that is transforming the way electric vehicles are charged. While it offers many benefits, such as faster charging times and increased convenience for drivers, it also has some drawbacks, such as higher costs and potential battery degradation. As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow and the demand for faster and more efficient charging options increases, we will likely see more DC fast charging stations being installed across the country. Overall, DC fast charging represents an exciting and innovative step forward in the world of EV charging, The increasing availability of DC fast chargers is reducing the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle, bringing us closer to the convenience of refueling a gasoline car. It will be interesting to see how this technology continues to evolve in the years to come.

More recommended sources

Tesla, ChargePoint , Tom’s Guide, Treehugger