Fast Charging vs. Slow Charging: Understanding the Options for Electric Vehicle Owners in India
Many potential EV owners are worried about how long it takes to charge their vehicle and whether fast charging or slow charging is the better option.We’ll take a closer look at both fast and slow charging options for EVs and help you decide which option is best for your needs.There are several options available for EV charging.
In this article Here, let's educate ourselves about various charging options.
Lets look into details or basics of what is DC and AC
Electric current exists in two forms: alternating (AC) and direct (DC). In alternating current, electrons change direction regularly at a very high frequency, while indirect current flows in the same direction. AC is better used for long-distance power transmissions and high-power applications in homes, factories, and other establishments. In contrast, DC is better used for storing power in batteries and low-power applications in electronics.
Different types of charging speeds
Generally EV charging happens in three speeds
level 1,level 2,level 3 (level 3 also called DC fast charging).
Level 1 -Level 1 equipment provides charging through a common residential 120-volt (120V) AC outlet. Level 1 chargers can take 40-50+ hours to charge a BEV to 80 percent from empty and 5-6 hours for a PHEV.
Level 2 -Level 2 charging stations require a 240-volt outlet and can charge an EV in 4 to 6 hours. DC Fast Charging stations are the fastest and can charge an EV up to 80% in just under an hour.
Level 3 -Level 3 are most common on high-traffic roads where people need to get in and out fast, and can get a battery from zero to 80% in as little as 20 minutes.
Pros and cons of different charging methods
Unlike AC chargers, a DC charger has the converter inside the charger itself. That means it can feed power directly to the car's battery and doesn't need the onboard charger to convert it. DC chargers are bigger, faster, and an exciting breakthrough when it comes to EVs.Despite their many advantages, perfect. Some of the disadvantages of DC fast charging stations include,high cost ,battery degradation,compatibility issues.
AC charging remains excellent and safe, it requires more charging hours because it’s slow compared to DC charging.Because the vehicle has on board charger ,power is converted from AC to DC within the car before sending it to the battery. The charging speed depends on the charging point’s output power and the converter's ability to convert power.An AC charger’s manufacturer, installation and use are less costly than that of DC.AC units are compact and simple. They don’t need much maintenance and repairs during operation.It’s easy to convert AC power to DC using rectifiers.Line losses aren’t much compared to DC transmission while AC is made available at higher voltages for long-distance travel.
Charging Standards
Safety precautions for electric vehicles are crucial .Charging electric vehicles in a safe environment is essential for both the safety of the driver and the health of the vehicle's battery. By following these guidelines and choosing the right charging station, you can ensure that your electric vehicle is charged safely and efficiently. There are several charging standards for EVs in India.
Bharat DC 001: This is a fast charging standard developed by the Indian government and is used for charging electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. This standard requires a charging rate of up to 15 kW and uses a charging connector with a 15A/48V DC rating.
Bharat AC 001: This standard is also developed by the Indian government and is used for charging electric cars and buses. It requires a charging rate of up to 15 kW and uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging.
CCS (Combined Charging System): CCS is an international charging standard used for fast charging of electric vehicles. It uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS connector for DC fast charging. CCS charging stations can provide up to 350 kW of charging power.
CHAdeMO: CHAdeMO is a fast charging standard developed in Japan and is used by several EV manufacturers. It uses a CHAdeMO connector for DC fast charging and can provide up to 62.5 kW of charging power.
The bottom line
The majority of chargers use AC power due to the lower costs spent during manufacture, installation and use compared to DC. It’s a safe and viable option for travelling over long distances.DC fast charging stations are a great option for EV owners who are looking for fast and convenient charging. However, their high cost, battery degradation, and compatibility issues make them less attractive to some consumers.The better option will depend upon your immediate needs. If you’re looking for a fast recharge to maintain your frequent long-distance trips, then DC charging is the better choice for you.In the end, the best charging solution for your EV will depend on your individual needs, driving habits, and budget.
