A "fast charger car" is not a type of car itself, but rather refers to an electric vehicle that is compatible with high-speed charging. These cars are designed to utilize external DC fast chargers, also simply known as "fast chargers," which are significantly more powerful than the standard onboard chargers used at home.
Understanding Fast Chargers
Key Features of Fast Chargers
- High Power Output: Fast chargers provide significantly higher power compared to standard chargers.
- Faster Charging: As a result of their high output, they can charge electric vehicles much faster.
- DC Power: Fast chargers use direct current (DC) power.
- External Charging: These chargers are not located inside the car but are external devices.
Speed Comparison
According to the provided information:
- A typical fast charger delivers 300 kW of power.
- This power level charges a vehicle 25 to 80 times faster than an onboard charger.
- Newer generation fast chargers deliver 400 kW.
How Fast Charging Works
Fast chargers directly supply DC power to the car's battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard converter. This enables the battery to accept the higher power input, thus drastically reducing charging times.
Why Fast Chargers are Important
- Travel Convenience: Fast chargers are essential for long trips, allowing EV drivers to rapidly recharge their vehicles at public charging stations.
- Reduced Downtime: They significantly reduce the time spent waiting for an EV to recharge, compared to using slower, standard chargers.
- Accessibility: With the increasing availability of public fast-charging networks, driving an electric car becomes much more practical.
Example
Imagine you're on a road trip. Using a standard charger, it could take many hours to recharge your electric vehicle. With a fast charger, you could add a significant amount of range in just a short stop, typically around 30-60 minutes, depending on the car and the charger's output.
Table: Comparing Charger Types
| Feature | Standard Charger (Onboard) | Fast Charger (External) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the Vehicle | External Device |
| Power Output | Lower | Significantly Higher |
| Charging Speed | Slower | Much Faster |
| Power Type | AC (Converted to DC) | DC |
| Typical Use | Home charging | Public charging stations |
