AC vs DC Charging – How EV Charging Really Works

In Short: Alternating Current vs Direct Current

All electricity from the grid comes as AC (alternating current).
But EV batteries store energy as DC (direct current).

That means the power has to be converted before it can be stored in the battery.
The only question is where the conversion happens — inside the car or in the charger.
And that’s the key difference between AC and DC charging.

AC Charging – The Slow, Smart Everyday Option

How it works:
With AC charging, the electricity from the grid goes through the car’s onboard charger, which converts AC into DC.
It’s slower, but gentler on both the battery and the grid.

Common for:

• Housing associations (BRF)
  
• Home charging
  
• Workplaces
  

Power output: 3.7–22 kW (depending on fuse and phase)

Advantages:

• Lower installation cost
  
• Lower load on the grid
  
• Ideal for overnight or long-term parking
  

Think of AC charging as your EV’s good night’s sleep — slow, steady, and reliable.

DC Charging – Fast Charging for Quick Stops

How it works:
With DC charging, the power is converted to DC inside the charger before reaching the car.
That allows direct current to flow straight into the battery — much faster, but also more demanding.

Common for:

• Public fast-charging stations
  
• Highway charging hubs
  
• Commercial or fleet facilities
  

Power output: 50–350 kW (sometimes even higher)

Advantages:

• Quick charging (15–40 minutes)
  
• Perfect for road trips and commercial vehicles
  

DC charging is like an espresso for your car — fast, powerful, but not something you live on every day.

Which Type Do You Need?

<div class="knowledge-table"><div class="knowledge-table_header"><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell"></div><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell"></div><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell"></div><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell"></div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Resident parking (BRF)</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">AC</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">3.7–11 kW</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Perfect for overnight charging</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Workplace</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">AC</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">11–22 kW</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Works well for daytime parking</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Public or visitor parking</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">AC or DC</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">22–150 kW</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Depends on traffic flow</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Highway stop</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">DC</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">150–350 kW</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">For travel or transport use</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Fleet / depot</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Combined</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Both</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Efficient for multiple vehicles</div></div></div>

Cost and Installation

<div class="knowledge-table"><div class="knowledge-table_header"><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell">Type</div><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell">Installation cost</div><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell">Operation</div><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell">Maintenance</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">AC charger</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Low</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Low</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Minimal</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">DC charger</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">High</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">High</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Requires service & cooling</div></div></div>

For most buildings, AC charging is the natural first step.

‍DC charging is future-proof, but requires careful planning and investment.

How They Work Together

In larger parking facilities, both systems are often used:

• AC chargers for residents, employees, and long-term parking
  
• DC chargers for visitors, service vehicles, and short stops
  

With digital load management, power is distributed automatically where it’s needed most —
making the entire system smarter and more sustainable.

In the future, it’s not AC or DC — it’s AC and DC working together.

Sustainability and Energy Flow

AC charging supports the overall energy balance by drawing power during off-peak hours.
DC charging handles peak demand but requires higher capacity and grid stability.

Together, they spread the load and reduce stress on the energy network.
The right mix of charging types is as important as the energy source itself —
it’s about balance, not just power.

Parkit’s Perspective

We believe technology should feel understandable, not mysterious.
For us, EV charging isn’t about abbreviations — it’s about function and trust.

Every day, we help housing associations and property owners choose the right charging solution for their reality.
When you understand the difference, the decision becomes simple.