With over 40,000 Charging Points currently installed in the UK, EV Charging is almost as easy as filling up at a Petrol Station. And a broader knowledge of the types of chargers in use means charging an EV is becoming increasingly straightforward.
EV Charging is categorised by speed, with rapid and ultra-rapid, fast and slow charging available across various networks. Power charging outputs are measured in kilowatts (kW), and each has an associated charger with different connectors designed for AC or DC charging and low or high-power usage.
Understanding the different types of EV Charging could help you implement a bespoke solution for your next project.
AC and DC charging
Power from the National Grid is always supplied as AC, while Batteries in Electronic Devices, including Mobiles and EVs, require that power to be converted and stored as DC.
Therefore, the principle difference between AC and DC charging is where the charge conversion occurs. With DC charging, this transformation happens inside the charger itself instead of onboard the Vehicle. Furthermore, with no constraints on the size of the DC converter, this process happens far more rapidly.
As a result, a DC charger feeds converted power directly to the car battery for a significantly faster charge. As Businesses adopt Commercial EVs, including Vans and Lorries, and transportation companies like Lyft install their own networks, DC charging is projected to increase.
DC charging is performed via Combined Charging System (CCS) or CHAdeMO connectors. However, these are not interchangeable. Meanwhile, Tesla EVs use their own proprietary versions of this charging technology.
Conversely, AC charging is limited by the size of the onboard charger in an EV. Charger size is typically constrained by space resulting in a slower charge. AC charging typically uses the commonly found Type 1 and Type 2 connectors.
Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Charging
Rapid and ultra-rapid charging refers to:
- 100+kW DC charging (two connector types)
- 50kW DC charging (two connector types)
- 43kW AC charging (one connector type)
Ultra-rapid AC and DC charge points are the fastest way to recharge an EV, providing 80% of full charge in as little as 15 minutes, depending on the model. Typically, roadside and motorway rapid recharging points will take around 40 minutes to achieve 80% charge, maximising charging efficiency and protecting the EV’s battery. However, only EVs with rapid charging capability can access these networks.
Rapid and Ultra-Rapid DC Charging
DC chargers use the CCS or CHAdeMO standards which have been in use in the UK for over a decade. However, DC charging has a degrading charging curve, with the battery initially accepting a faster flow of current before requiring a decreasing amount of power as it reaches capacity. As a result, DC charging is typically used in larger fast charging stations with built-in AC conversion.
Rapid DC charging is rated at 50kW, while ultra-rapid chargers are commonly rated at 100kW, 150kW or 350kW, with power supplied via tethered cables. The Tesla Supercharger network uses Tesla’s proprietary CCS or Type 2 connectors to charge at up to 150kW.
Rapid AC Charging
Rapid AC chargers use the Type 2 standard and provide power at 43kW, typically charging an EV battery to 80% within 20-40 minutes.
During AC charging, the power conversion occurs within the EV itself, resulting in a slower charge that resembles a consistent line rather than the degrading curve of DC charge. As a result, most modern EVs are supplied with a Type 2 Charger.
Fast charging networks usually use AC, although 25Kw DC chargers are available. These networks tend to be in destinations where you intend to park for at least an hour and can charge an EV between one and six hours. Ultimately, charging speeds depend on the model and onboard converter size, which serves to limit the maximum power draw.
Fast charging is available to the majority of EVs and hybrids with a Type 2 Charger.
Slow and Home Charging:
Slow charging covers:
- 3kW – 6kW charging stations (four connector types)
- Mains charging
- Home charging
Most slow chargers are rated at 3kW, although they may be capable of charging at up to 6kW. Slow charging typically takes place at home or the workplace and can take 6-12 hours when carried out using a standard 3-pin plug socket. However, if you require frequent EV Charging, it’s best to usea dedicated charging unit installed by an accredited professional or integrated at the design and planning stage of a new project.
Building Future Infrastructure
As the transition to EVs continues to gather pace, flexible charging opportunities and robust charging infrastructure help to drive adoption. The provision of turnkey workplace and residential rapid charging stations is key to scaling the industry and building future-proofed infrastructure, with a projected 130 million EVs on the roads by 2030.
Network Power Connections can help your Business plan short-term and long-term with a customised EV Charging solution, so contact us today.
