The DC EV charging station is a high-powered device that provides DC current directly to an EV battery. It is the fastest method of charging an EV, and it can recharge the car’s battery to up to 80% in as little as 20 minutes. It can be found at public charging stations, EV dealerships, and commercial fleet companies. DC fast chargers are rated in kilowatts (kW) and can range from 50 kW to 350 kW, with higher kW ratings offering faster charges.

There are a number of different types of DC EV charging stations, with the most common being Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. These chargers are typically installed at home, at workplaces, and in some public locations. They are capable of charging BEVs at a rate up to 22 kWh per hour. However, the onboard EV battery can only handle up to 3.7 kW of charging power, so it will take longer for a full charge.

Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, offer the fastest charging for EVs. They are usually located at public charging stations, EV dealerships, or by popular destinations. DC fast chargers can recharge a BEV to up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, and they are capable of up to 350 kW of power. 

While these are the fastest charging options available for EVs, they can be expensive to use. Some stations may charge a fixed fee for each session, while others require that drivers pay per minute of charging time. In addition, frequent fast charging is known to cause battery degradation.

Installing a DC EV charging station at home or in the office will require running a dedicated electrical line from your breaker box to the garage or exterior location where you want the charger to be installed. This can cost a few hundred dollars, depending on whether you need to run an entirely new line or just add capacity. It is important to hire an electrician who specializes in EV charging installation to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.

While DC EV charging stations provide a convenient way to quickly charge an EV, they can also present safety hazards if not used properly. For example, it is important to use a cover that prevents cords from being extended across sidewalks. This is especially true for people who are using residential level 1 charger, as extending a cord across the sidewalk can create a trip hazard for pedestrians and result in damaged property. For this reason, the District has published guidelines to help residents safely accommodate their charging needs without compromising pedestrian safety.