When investing in EV Chargers for business or buying for personal use, it’s essential to understand charger types, as they directly impact usage, speed and expenses. Let’s examine the primary differences between home AC EV chargers and commercial AC and DC charging solutions. Understanding how each charger powers vehicles differently would enlighten you to select the best.
Whether needing robust high-speed options for long trips or slower home & overnight stay charging, identifying charger properties and capabilities allows CSO (Charging Station Owners) and EV owners to make the best out of their investments and objectives.
Basics – DC & AC Chargers
AC chargers are called L1 or L2 or slow chargers, this may come in portable versions or wall mount type.
DC chargers are Level 3 (L3) or Fast Chargers. Can be wall mount or usually floor standing. The plug types are different, which we discuss later in this article.
EV chargers adhere to standard charging protocols to ensure compatibility. The SAE J1772 protocol governs AC connectors Type 1 (5 Pin) , and IEC 62196 standard covers Type 2 (7 pin) , while CHAdeMO and CCS2 standards apply to DC charging.
Certified and complied chargers has 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.
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 is controlled by the PDM of the car, where the DC charger directly communicates with the EV Battery.
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 simple terms DC – CCS2 associate with AC – T1 plug and DC – ChaDeMo associate with AC T1 plug. Heres how the different plug types spread across the world.
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. Sri Lanka had more CHAdeMO DC chargers until 2024, CCS2 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 charger needs to convert the AC power into DC power through the onboard converter of the EV with a relatively slow charging speed.
An AC charger can deliver from 3.3 kWh (units) per hour to 22 units per hour. DC Chargers start delivering energy from 20 kW per hour up to 350 kW per hour with 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.
However, the power is getting share with the other appliances at homes, so eMotion has the option of using a unit called DLB to minimize the demand from AC charger meeting with the remaining current of 30 Amps.
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 40 kW. Some locations are lucky with 100 A+ bulk connections with dedicated transformers, which is ideal to operate 60 kW chargers at full potential.
Above pictures shows a 90 kW eMotion charger in Sri Lanka is adding approx 150 kms range in 15 minutes.
3. Installation Costs
When you invest in a charger, it usually includes the installation costs and operational costs up to 5 years, or even more. 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 robust electrical infrastructure. Chargers beyond 60 kW may require like transformer upgrades, making their installation more complex and costly.
AC chargers do not require much installation cost and can be easily set up at home or office.
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 90,000 to 400,000, while DC solutions range from LKR 1,600,000 to LKR 3,500,000 in consideration of purchasing, installing, and maintaining services costs. VAT might be applicable on legal / authorized equipment.
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.
4. Network Operator
Its a must you look for the featured offered by the network chosen, in facing the competition better. eMotion offers the follwing unique features, not available with the rest.
- Time-based rates TOU and Flat rate charging
- Special Solar Peak / Renewable Rich Tariff options
- Co-branding the eMotion App, including the Logo
- Google Map updates driving traffic to the stores/location
- User group creation and Subscription packages
- Continuous app updates – Faster and ahead of the rest.
- Congestion fee – if the cars are not removed after charging
- Dual Charging with Power Up – Down as per availability
- Flash offers / Packaged offers in line with the CSO Business
eMotion Builds Your Business
eMotion offer charging solutions 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.
eMotion harware is sourced from the world renowned manufacturers directly, coupled with our own software. we 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. eMotion 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)
- Three-Year Warranty backed by eMotion
- Optional DLB function to achieve intelligent energy usage.
- Weatherproof IP55/65 construction suitable for indoor or outdoor installation
- eMotion app or Smart app allows remote monitoring and control of charging
- 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
- Approx 100% efficiency
2. eMotion 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:
- Operated by fast reponse eMotion software with unique features.
- Up to 240kW scalable output to meet various power needs
- Generous 7 to 21-inch touchscreen and button controls ensure simple and visible operation
- 2 guns with CCS2, and CHAdeMO with dual charging
- 12 safety protocols, for active and passive safety
- Remote monitoring and firmware updating via Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity
- Up to 95% efficiency and low downtime.
eMotion offers a range 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.
If you missed reading our prior article on the EV Charging business, here it is!
Planning for a public charging station. Pls share the details.
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