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By | 30 May 2022

How Fast is an Ev Charging Station? Overview of Dc Fast Charging Station

Fast charging EV stations 

With the ever-increasing number of electric cars on the market and government pressure to decrease vehicle emissions to zero by 2050 at the latest, there is an urgent need for more effective charging options. According to several consumer surveys, the adoption of electromobility is highly dependent on the availability and length of the charging process; thus, high-power DC charging stations are the solution to these market demands. A typical EV can already charge its battery to 80 percent capacity in less than 10 minutes. Similarly, to fueling a traditional automobile with an internal combustion engine.

How quick is a rapid EV charger?

DC fast charging EV stations may provide 100 RPM or more, allowing some EVs to reach 80 percent charge in 20 to 30 minutes. Power levels vary with DC rapid charging stations. Generally, greater power levels charge EVs more quickly. Determine the power level of every DC fast-charging station.

DC charging is driving the advancement of electric transportation.

Reduce charging duration

DC fast EV chargers are substantially quicker than standard AC power fast charging EV stations, requiring just 15 to 45 minutes to charge the majority of passenger electric cars to 80 percent, making charging on the move quick and convenient.

Gain faithful customers

As EV use expands, EV drivers are searching for dependable charging stations. EV charging is a potent method for companies targeting this affluent market segment to attract new consumers and maintain their loyalty.

Promote lasting change

With more DC fast charging EV stations accessible, range anxiety, one of the primary hurdles to electric car adoption, is mitigated, placing your company as a leader in the electric mobility revolution.

How is DC charging implemented?

There are two kinds of electric vehicle charging stations: AC and DC. It is essential to remember that grid electricity is always AC and EV batteries only receive DC power. This implies that the current must be transformed at some point. The distinction between AC and DC charging stations is whether the power converter is positioned on or off the car.

  • AC provides alternating current (AC) to an inbuilt AC/DC converter.
  • DC charging stations convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) before providing it straight to the battery of an electric car. 

Since the convertor for DC charging is located outside of the vehicle, it can be considerably larger considerably. Because the current is already converted to DC by the time it reaches the vehicle, the delivery of power may be accelerated, allowing for greater amounts of power to be sent.

DC charging stations can offer up to 350 kW of power and may fully charge an electric car in as little as 15 minutes because of their unique charging technology (providing the EV allows it). Because they are capable of quick charging, DC fast chargers are beneficial for a variety of applications, including short-stop sites, and the charging of fleet vehicles, passenger cars, buses, and trucks.

How many kW does a DC fast charger have?

The kW output of DC fast charging EV stations varies based on several variables, including location, manufacturer, and model.

In general, there are two types of DC fast-charging stations: solo and split.

  • Standalone: typically, capable of delivering between 50 kW and 250 kW of electricity, standalone charging stations consist of a single unit.
  • Split: charging stations with a split design have two primary components, a user unit, and a power unit, and typically provide between 175 kW and 350 kW.

How quickly does DC charging charge?

There are a lot of elements that influence the DC charging speed of an EV. Due to the location of the AC/DC converter inside the charging station, DC charging may be substantially quicker than AC charging.

The charging speed of a car with DC charging is affected by the battery's current charge, the weather conditions (batteries charge more slowly in colder temperatures), the battery's charging capacity, and, of course, the power output.

Current battery charge

The last twenty percent of the charge takes a lot longer than it used to because of efforts that have been made to extend the life of the battery and ensure that it can be charged safely. Since direct current (DC) fast charging can bring the battery of an electric vehicle to 80 percent capacity in a shorter amount of time than alternating current (AC) charging can, and then slows down for the remaining 20 percent, the amount of time it takes for your battery to reach 100 percent capacity may be the same amount of time it takes to achieve 80 percent capacity.

Climatic conditions

Depending on where you charge your EV, the ambient temperature may influence the charging rate. Due to the sensitivity of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles (EVs), to low temperatures, cold temperatures might hinder charging rates.

Energy output

The power output of the charger will affect the charging duration. For example, 15 minutes of charging may provide an extra 130 km to 480 km of range at 100 kW and 350 kW power, respectively. At 50 kW, one hour of charging will provide 278 kilometers of range to a passenger car.

 In addition, we often state that the vehicle is the "master" of charging times. Some cars can take greater amounts of electricity than others. In contrast to the Tesla Model 3, the Nissan Leaf can only receive around 50 kW.

Does DC charge work with every electric vehicle?

DC charging is compatible with most different passenger vehicles. Direct current is the method that is used to charge the batteries of electric vehicles (EVs), which means that almost all of these vehicles are suitable for DC quick charging. On the other hand, the quantity of power that can be stored in each battery is a different story. Some batteries considerably larger hold up to 350 kW, but others can only hold up to 50 kW. Additionally, a very small fraction of electric vehicles with smaller batteries are unable to charge using DC charging. One example of this is the Fiat 500, which does not support quick charging.

What kind of connection is compatible with DC quick charging?

  1. Although almost all passenger cars are capable of DC fast charging, the procedure of charging may need a different connection than the one used for AC charging.
  2. At the European level, there are two standards for DC charging connectors: CCS and CHAdeMO, in addition to Tesla's distinctive Supercharger.
  3. A combined Charging System (CCS) permits both AC and DC charging through the same input port, while CHAdeMO-equipped cars have a separate connection for AC charging and are limited to 50 kW charging speeds.
  4. As a result of this deficiency, CCS is becoming the predominant standard in Europe and North America, whereas CHAdeMO is being phased out on both continents.
  5. While over 500,000 cars with CHAdeMO plugs are still on the road in Europe, the continent just declared that CCS2 will become the norm.
  6. In the future, a CCS connection will likely be required for DC rapid charging, at least in North America and Europe.

Is DC charging more expensive than AC charging?

When it comes to electric cars, DC fast charging is almost probably going to be more costly than AC charging. You are paying for the convenience of quickly charging your vehicle when you pay extra for DC charging, which is also known as direct current charging.

There is a variation in pricing, however, depending on where you charge your vehicle and if the charging station charges by the minute or by the kWh.

Understanding what is ideal for your automobile is the most important step in striking a balance between cost and convenience. If the maximum DC charging capacity of your car is 50 kW, but you occupy an ultra-fast charging station that has 250 kW, you will be charged more money for the same amount of energy. 

In the end, the answer is yes, DC fast charging is more costly than AC charging. However, it is also important to ask yourself, "Do I need to charge this rapidly, or would it make more sense to charge more slowly?"

How can I locate a DC quick charger?

Since DC quick charging stations are appropriate for use in both commercial and public locations, you are most likely to come across them at retail and hospitality facilities, commercial parking lots, petrol stations, and rest stops along highways.

Conclusion

Electric cars have become more advantageous for enterprises, government organizations, and tourist destinations. Whether you have a fleet of vehicles that need frequent refueling or clients who would benefit from a quick EV charging station, a DC Fast Charger is the solution.

Efficiency: DC charging stations are increasingly integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, enhancing the sustainability of EV charging.