When investing in EV Chargers for business, it’s essential to understand charger types, as they directly impact speed and expenses. Let’s examine the primary differences between AC EV chargers and commercial charging solutions. Understanding how each charger powers vehicles differently would enlighten investors to select the best setup.
Whether needing robust high-speed options for long trips or slower home & overnight stay charging, identifying charger properties and capabilities allows CSO (Charging Center Operators) to make the best out of their investments and objectives.
Similarities – DC & AC Chargers
AC EV charger and DC EV charger share some similarities. Firstly, both utilize intelligent control and safety protection systems to monitor charging usage and sessions. Intelligent systems communicate with the vehicle to optimize power delivery. Integrated safety features prevent overcurrent, overvoltage, and ground faults. Once abnormal situations are encountered, the charging station can promptly cut off the power supply to ensure the safety of the vehicle and users.
Furthermore, all modern EV chargers adhere to standard charging protocols to ensure compatibility. The SAE J1772 protocol governs AC connectors, while CHAdeMO and CCS2 standards apply to DC charging.
Both types of charging stations are usually equipped with display screens and operation buttons. Overall, AC and DC chargers effectively deliver power to EVs while incorporating intelligent control and protective measures.
The only exception is the basic L2 chargers, where there’s no app control or IPG, simply plug & play (no commercial usage). However, these are limited to single-phase, up to 7 kW. In this article we speak of the commercial solutions.
Differences – DC & AC Chargers
Any EV has two charging ports, called AC and DC. AC Charging can deliver up to 22 kW on 3 3-phase supply and up to 7 kW on a single-phase supply. AC charging connects to the PDM of the car, where the DC charger directly communicates with the EV Battery.
DC fast chargers and AC chargers for EVs differ in factors like battery recharge speed, installation difficulty, and cost, what rides they sync with, and the best ways to utilize them. Carefully considering these factors leads to selecting an appropriate EV charger to optimize user experience and usage patterns.
Plug Types
The Connector types are not to be mixed up with the AC-DC classification. Based on the global regions, Manufacturers use varying plug types. However, CHAdeMO (Japanese std) and GB/T (Limited to China) seem to be phasing out, and CCS2 emerges as the global connectivity, although Tesla continues their superchargers.
In Japan, all cars are equipped with Chademo for DC chargers and Type 1 for AC charging. Even the European brands used in Japan follow the same standards. Hence, Sri Lanka has many more CHAdeMO DC chargers than CCS2, which is getting bigger numbers now, with the imports from China.
eMotion chargers offer both CHAdeMO and CCS2 plug types in their DUAL Gun charger versions. The user may use the adaptor for TESLA on CHAdeMO. Another key advantage is that two EV’s can be charged at the same time in the Dual connector versions.
Let’s go back to the topic. What EV Charger – DC or AC suits better to build a better business?
1. Charging Speed
DC EV charger solutions can charge at much higher power rates than AC units. The direct current provided by the DC charging station can directly charge the EV batteries with fast charging capabilities. The AC charging station needs to convert the AC power into DC power through the onboard converter with a relatively slow charging speed.
In the Sri Lankan context, an AC charger can deliver from 3.3 kWh (units) per hour to 22 units per hour. DC Chargers start delivering energy from 22 kW per hour up to 100 kW per hour. (22 kW, 30 kW, 40 kW, 6-0 kW, and more in eMotion chargers)
2. Energy Supply
Most residential connections are up to 30 Amps, single-phase connections. Some are equipped with 3-phase, still within the 30-amp limitation. AC Chargers are available with both Single and 3 Phase connectivity, up to 22 kW of power, which can be operated on these connections.
DC Commercial chargers require much higher current, a minimum of 60 A+ connections in Sri Lanka’s standards. However, the existing load on the connections is to be factored prior to powering a DC charger.
A 63-amp, 3-phase connection may operate a 60 kW DC Charger at a level of 42 kW. Some locations are lucky with 90 A+ bulk connections with dedicated transformers, which is ideal to operate 60 kW chargers at full potential.
3. Installation Costs
When you invest in a charger, it usually includes the installation costs and operational costs for the first 2 years. CSO’s responsibility would be supplying the power agreed, making a concrete base upon the Mobility Alliance Pvt Limited guidelines, and a shelter for the charger.
DC fast charging stations require extensive electrical infrastructure. Chargers beyond 60 kW may require like transformer upgrades and cooling systems, making their installation much more complex and costly.
Equipment costs for DC units can be many times higher than AC devices. Generally speaking, AC chargers do not require much installation cost and can be easily set up at home or in a personal studio.
3. Vehicle Compatibility
All electric vehicles are compatible with AC level 1 (usually your 3.3 portable charger) and level 2 (wall mount) charging. Still CSO needs to know of the plug types (T1 & T2) before purchasing.
Most newer EVs with CCS, CHAdeMO, GB/T, and Tesla fast charge ports can take advantage of DC EV charger stations. Compatibility is more limited for DC stations than for some electric vehicles. With eMotion, you can have a combination of guns, with a Tesla adapter as well if required.
4. Application Scenarios
An AC charging station is well-suited for overnight home replenishment when EVs are parked for a few hours. A DC fast charger, on the other hand, is preferable for public stations needing to serve transient traffic and provide a quick charge within a few minutes to facilitate long-distance travel.
Choosing an EV Charger
Choosing the best electric vehicle charger depends on evaluating your unique needs and circumstances. The right selection maximizes convenience while minimizing costs. Several important factors require examination to make an informed purchase decision:
1. Vehicle Type and Needs
Consider the target market UIO (Units In Operation) and its battery capacities, charging port compatibility, and driving range needs. A slower charger may suffice for occasional commuters compared to those making long trips regularly.
2. Budgeting
AC Level 2 chargers range from LKR 100,000 to 500,000, while DC solutions range from LKR 2,200,000 to LKR 4,000,000 in consideration of purchasing, installing, and maintaining services costs for up to 2 years.
3. Installation Location
Residential garages, hotels, and apartment complexes need AC EV chargers, facilitating car owners returning home from work or overnight stay guests.
Public stations need durable, high-powered, and climate-protected DC fast chargers. In addition, it is recommended to choose an installation environment that avoids sun and rain to better extend the lifespan of the charger. Consider local electricity regulations, which may impact infrastructure requirements.
eMotion Builds Your Business
eMotion offers EVB chargers with over a decade of industry experience, coupled with eMotion’s own software. eMotion offers a wide portfolio of AC and DC chargers suitable for homes, businesses, and public networks.
Our charging solutions emphasize premium structural quality, high power capability, advanced connectivity, and control features. We are committed to ensuring compatibility with evolving vehicles and charging standards.
Apart from this, eMotion by Mobility Alliance prioritizes excellent after-sales support through our dedicated technical team with 24×7 customer assistance.
As one of the world’s premier EV charger suppliers, we aim to empower the sustainable electrical transition through reliable, future-proof AC and DC EV charger products and services valued by customers worldwide. Our AC and DC products include:
1. AC EV Charger
There are three types, Base, Smart, and Intelligent AC chargers, with IPG providing convenient and reliable charging. Its top features include the following: (*Please refer to your quote)
- DLB function allows automatic adjustment of charging station power to achieve intelligent energy distribution
- Three-Year Warranty
- Weatherproof IP55/65 construction suitable for indoor or outdoor installation
- Intuitive smartphone app allows remote monitoring and control of charging sessions
- Integrated electricity metering helps track energy usage and costs
- Wall-mounted form factor design offers flexible installation options
- Relatively fast charging speed with 1 hour of charge providing a 40km distance
- OCPP 1.6J protocol and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connectivity options
- About 100% efficiency
2. DC Public Chargers
Designed for heavy-duty public applications, our single to dual-port DC EV charger supplies rapid replenishment up to 240kW total. Its key features are:
- Up to 240kW scalable output to meet various power needs
- Generous 7 to 9.1-inch touchscreen and button controls ensure simple and visible operation
- 2 guns with CCS1, CCS2, and optional CHAdeMO connectors provide universal vehicle compatibility
- Emergency stop function enhances safety assurance
- IP55 rating enables reliable performance in all weather
- Compact floor-stand design takes up less space
- Remote monitoring and firmware updating via Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity
- Up to 95% efficiency
Conclusion
Selecting the right EV charger necessitates understanding key distinctions in charging speed, costs, compatibility, and application scenarios. While AC units suit most residential and commercial charging needs, DC fast chargers better serve time-critical public refueling.
eMotion offers a portfolio of AC and DC charging stations engineered to meet requirements across diverse settings. Our high-performing, smart-connected, and future-proof products empower sustainable transportation through simplified, optimized, and enjoyable EV recharging experiences. You can explore our complete range of innovative electric vehicle charging solutions on our official website.