Which charging method would you prefer for electric vehicles: slow AC charging or fast DC charging?

There are two types of charging methods for new energy vehicles: slow AC charging and fast DC charging. Do you know the differences between these two charging methods? Which charging method is more practical?

The power of the DC charging station is 120-180 kW, and it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to charge the battery to 80%. The DC charging station converts AC power into DC power. They are usually used as public charging stations for new energy vehicles. Slow charging refers to AC charging. The power of the AC charging station is 3.5-22 kW, and it takes 5-8 hours to fully charge. The charging interface of the AC charging station first supplies AC power directly to the slow charging port of the electric vehicle, and then converts the AC power into DC power through the built-in charger and supplies it to the battery. It is usually used as a home charging station for new energy vehicles

(1)What is the difference between slow charging and fast charging? (1) There is a difference in the charging interface. The interface of the fast charging station has nine round holes, while the interface of the slow charging station has seven.

(2) Charging times vary. The battery can be charged to 80% in about an hour using a fast charging station. Slow charging takes 5-8 hours. (3) The thickness of the charging cable may vary. Fast charging stations support relatively high voltage and current with thicker charging cables. Slow charging stations have slightly thinner charging cables and lower output power.

(4) Costs vary. Fast chargers are not cheap; a 120 kW DC fast charger typically costs around $1,500. A 22 kW AC slow charger typically costs around $150.

Fast charging stations require a short charging time, but public charging stations require queues and are more expensive. In addition, high current and power during charging lead to increased temperature, which shortens the life of the battery and accelerates its aging. Conversely, slow charging stations use inexpensive public electricity for charging, although they take longer to fully charge. There is no need to wait in line to charge, as the station can be located near your own dedicated parking space. In addition, reducing the charging power of electric vehicle batteries can also reduce heat and voltage, which is useful for extending the life of the battery.

In fact, both fast and slow charging are aimed at meeting the different charging needs of motorists. A public DC charging station can improve your travel experience and save time if you have to drive long distances. But regular use of home AC charging stations not only reduces the time and money needed for charging, but also helps the batteries of vehicles running on new energy sources last longer. Based on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of both options, it is recommended that users choose a charging method with slow charging as the main method and fast charging as an auxiliary one.