What are DC Chargers

Introduction

In this article, we’ll define what DC chargers are and show a few examples of how dc chargers are used and provide several ways for getting started with fast charging.

What are DC Chargers?

• • DC Chargers are also referred to as fast chargers.

• • • Current power utilities provide AC Charging directly to customers. The difference between AC charging and DC charging is the location where the AC power gets converted; inside or outside the car. Unlike AC chargers, a DC charger has the converter inside the charger itself. The benefit is those chargers can feed power directly to the car’s battery and don’t need the onboard charger to convert it. Generally, DC chargers are bigger, and considerably faster than AC charging and have been a great breakthrough for EVs

     

    • 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 entrusted with certification, assuring compatibility between the vehicle and the charger.
      Standalone DC Chargers can usually deliver between 150 kW and 360 kW of power.Split DC Chargers usually deliver between 250 kW and 400 kW.
      Installations require a commercial electrician from the initial planning phase due to the electrical load and wiring requirements

What is the cost of a DC Charger?

• • • • DC fast chargers cost considerably more than AC charging, but it’s important to ask  “do I/We actually need to charge this fast or is it more logical to charge slower?”  In situations where more vehicles need to be charged quickly like parking lots, service vehicle charging, or on route charging it’s critical to be able to serve multiple vehicles in the shortest time possible.  Getting 80% charge in 20-30 minutes will often get a vehicle enough battery to last until a slower charge is available more abundantly.

What are the connectors?

• • There are three types of DC fast charging systems, depending on the type of charge port on the vehicle: SAE Combined Charging System (CCS), CHAdeMO, and Tesla.CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO (Association – see above), And Tesla.

CCS J1772 Connectors

• • The CCS connector (also known as SAE J1772 combo) is unique because a driver can use the same charge port when charging with AC Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging equipment. The only difference is that the DC fast charging connector has two additional bottom pins. Most EV models entering the market today can charge using the CCS connector.

Can all vehicles use a DC charger?

• Not every EV model is capable of DC fast charging, and therefore, they cannot be utilized by every EV driver. Check the car’s specifications to confirm a vehicles charging capability.

Where can I find DC Chargers?

• • DC Chargers are approx. 15% of the public infrastructure for charging at the moment.  (2022)Parking lots, service areas, retail stores, stand-alone chargers

• Many DC Chargers are still free and are provided by stores and businesses to attract customers.

Conclusion

DC Chargers are fast and reliable.  Most cars can utilize fast charging and provide excellent charging within 20-30 minutes.  DC Chargers are truly the future for in-service vehicles that have demanding all-day use, as well as long haul travel that requires a lot of vehicles to charge at once.  (the fueling stations of the future.)  Individuals rarely would need DC fast chargers for home use because overnight charging is quite suitable.

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