The DC EV Car Charger is the plug that connects to your electric vehicle (EV) battery at a public or private charging station. The plug fits into a socket outlet on the EVSE (EV Supply Equipment). There are different connector configurations for a wide variety of standards used in charging stations. Most major charging stations offer a multi-standard connection and allow you to choose the one that suits your vehicle. 

EVs have onboard chargers that convert alternating current (AC) power from the electricity grid to direct current (DC) power that is stored in the car’s battery. The power from the onboard charger is limited by the size of the battery. DC fast charging bypasses the EV’s onboard converter by supplying DC power directly to the battery. This allows for much higher charging speeds, up to 270 kW in some cases.

When using DC fast charging, your EV’s battery will be subject to heat buildup as it charges. This can degrade the batteries over time, especially if rapid charging is regularly done. To minimize this effect, DC fast charging is best used only occasionally.

While a few EV models have built-in DC fast charging capability, most require an adapter to use this level of charging at public charging stations. Adapters can be purchased for most models from any EV dealership.

To determine if your EV requires a DC fast charger, check its charging capabilities on its website or in the owner’s manual. The battery capacity, charging speed, and onboard charger rating are all important factors in determining the appropriate charging rate for your EV.

Level 1 charging uses a 240-volt outlet to produce output ranging from 4 kW to 16 kW of power. This translates to 12 to 54 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging uses a 208-volt outlet to produce output from 7 kW to 22 kW of power. This translates to 24 to 57 miles of range per hour.

The DC EV Car Charger is the most common type of charging at public stations and home installations. This level of charging can provide an 80% charge in about three hours. DC fast charging can be more expensive than Level 2 charging because it utilizes a higher voltage and amperage to power the charging equipment, and this is reflected in the cost of electricity charged to the battery.

As a result, the price of charging at DC fast charging outlets is generally more than that of Level 2 charging at public stations. However, the faster charging rates offered by DC fast chargers mean that EV drivers are often able to charge more frequently and at lower total costs than with other types of public charging. This is a significant factor in making long-distance electric travel viable for more people. It is also a key reason why more people are choosing to purchase and drive electric vehicles.