Understanding AC and DC Charging for Electric Vehicles: A Guide for INCHARGEx Customers

Welcome to INCHARGEx, where we empower EV owners across Australia with the best portable charging solutions. As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, understanding the difference between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging can help you make the most of your EV experience. Let’s dive into the details!

1. What is AC Charging?
AC charging is the most common method of charging electric vehicles at home or at work. Here’s what you need to know:

• Charging Speed: AC chargers typically deliver power from 2.3 kW to 22 kW. Most home installations are around 7 kW, which means you can fully charge an EV overnight.
• Equipment: AC charging requires a portable charger or a fixed wall unit that connects to your vehicle using a standard plug compatible with your car.
• Convenience: Given its widespread availability in residential settings, AC charging is ideal for overnight use, ensuring your vehicle is ready to go every morning.

Example: Imagine plugging your EV into a 7 kW AC charger at home around 7 PM. By morning, your car, which supports up to 7 kW, would be fully charged, ready for about 200-300 kilometers of driving.

An INCHARGEx Premium 7KW 32A Portable Charger would add roughly 50km of range per hour of charge. While a 22kW charger would add roughly 120-150km of range per hour of charge. Or a versatile charger with interchangeable tails offering between 2kW all the way up to 7kW.

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2. What is DC Charging?
DC charging is primarily found in public charging stations and is favored for its speed. Here are the key features:

• Charging Speed: DC chargers are much faster, typically starting at 50 kW and going up to 350 kW for the latest models. They can charge an EV battery to 80% in just 20-30 minutes.
• Equipment: These chargers convert AC power to DC internally and deliver power directly to the battery, bypassing the car’s onboard charger.
• Usage: Ideal for quick top-ups during long trips, DC charging stations are commonly found at service stations and dedicated charging locations. If you are a Tesla owner you would normally hear what is called a Tesla Supercharger, other networks include Evie, ChargeFox, BP Pulse, NRMA offer a range of charging stations and pricing from 50cent/kwh to 80cent/kwh. Some Tesla Superchargers are now also open to all EVs owners not just Tesla.

Example: Consider you’re driving from Sydney to Canberra, a journey of about 300 kilometers. Stopping at a DC fast-charging station, you can recharge from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes while you grab a coffee, making long-distance EV travel convenient and worry-free.

3. Comparing AC and DC Charging

• Speed: DC charging is significantly faster than AC charging but is less commonly available for residential use due to the high power required.
• Cost: AC charging equipment and installation are generally cheaper than DC solutions. Moreover, using AC charging at home is often less costly than public DC fast charging.
• Availability: AC charging can be done almost anywhere with access to electricity, while DC charging stations are more centralized and strategically located.

4. Which One Suits Your Needs?
For daily commuting and regular use, an AC portable charger from INCHARGEx ensures your vehicle is always ready with minimal fuss. For long-distance travel or quick recharges on the go, seeking out DC charging stations is your best bet.

In Summary
Understanding the nuances between AC and DC charging helps you optimize your EV's charging strategy based on your lifestyle. At INCHARGEx, we offer a range of AC portable chargers that combine convenience with performance, perfect for the Australian EV driver. Explore our products today and experience the future of electric mobility—charged right, every time.