What is a DC charging station?
A DC charging station is a charging point that electric vehicles charges with direct current. DC is the abbreviation for Direct Current. In comparison, there is an AC charging station, which charges an e-car with the alternating current (alternating current) that is usual in our power grid.
Fast charging with DC - Charge faster with DC
Public charging stations are divided into normal and fast chargers, and anyone who wants to also into ultra-fast chargers (high power chargers). If you charge your electric vehicle at a DC charging station, the energy flows into the car much faster. The electric car battery is therefore full faster and you can continue your journey more quickly.
How does DC charging work?
The standard current in our power lines is alternating current. This is easier to generate and transform than direct current. However, since electric cars can only be charged with direct current, every e-vehicle has a converter that converts AC power into DC power. This converter limits charging power so AC charging is slower.
If you charge with direct current at a charging station, the energy does not have to be passed through the e-car converter first. Since the rectifier to convert the alternating current into DC power is integrated directly in the charging station, a higher power can be fed in here - up to 350 kW at a peak is thus possible.
How much does DC charging cost?
In order to refuel faster and thus get to their destination faster, e-car drivers have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets than when charging AC. 10-20 cents per kWh can make the difference.