The power that is used to charge an electric vehicle (EV) comes from the grid as alternating current, or AC. EV batteries, however, store direct current, or DC. As a result, any power that enters an EV battery must be converted to DC to use inside the car. This is done by a charger that is built into the onboard charging port.

There are several different ways to charge an EV, but the fastest option is DC fast charging, also known as Level 3 charging. Currently, there are more than 5,000 public DC fast-charging stations in the US. Most are located at shopping centers, parking spots, and even on highways. Some of the largest providers of public DC fast-charging are Electrify America, EVgo, Chargepoint, and Tesla’s Supercharger network.

For those EV owners who want to maximize the range of their trip, it’s best to plan ahead for stops that will give them access to DC fast-charging. It’s important to know that the speed of a DC fast charge slows down as the battery gets closer to full, and this is why it’s best not to stop at a station for too long.

During a DC fast-charging session, your EV is in constant communication with the charger to control how much power it takes. Several variables affect the charging speed, but the main two are the rate of charge at the station and your car’s acceptance rate.

The rate of charge at a DC fast-charging station is measured in kilowatts, or kW. The higher the kW, the faster your EV will charge. However, not all EVs can accept the maximum kW available at any given station, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual to see what kind of plug your EV has.

If you have a newer EV, it is likely that it supports the ISO 15118 standard, or “Plug and Charge.” This technology allows your EV to communicate with any charging station it encounters. It eliminates the need for multiple swipe cards, fobs, and apps required by different charging networks your EV might come across on a route. It also lets your EV automatically connect to the fastest-rated charger at any given public DC fast-charging station.

DC fast charging is the most efficient way to recharge an EV, but it’s also the toughest on the battery. As a result, many automakers have a warning in their owner’s manuals that regular usage of this type of charging may degrade the battery. Fortunately, there are other ways to charge an EV that are far more cost-effective. For example, an AC fast charger can be easily installed at your home and is far more affordable than a DC fast-charging station. For more information about the best EV chargers for your needs, contact us today. We can help you find the right options for your electric vehicle, including the latest incentives and deals from local dealers.