According to the US Department of Transportation, DC fast chargers, also known as fast chargers, use a voltage range of 400 V - 1000 V DC.
Understanding Fast Charging Voltage
Unlike Level 1 (120 V AC) or Level 2 (240 V AC) charging, which use alternating current (AC) power from a standard electrical grid connection, DC fast charging converts AC power to direct current (DC) before it reaches the vehicle. This allows the power to flow directly into the vehicle's battery, bypassing the slower onboard AC-to-DC converter typically found in electric vehicles (EVs).
Using a significantly higher voltage (400 V to 1000 V DC) and power output (50 kW to 350 kW or even higher) is essential for rapid charging. This high power allows the EV's battery to gain a substantial amount of charge in a relatively short period, making it ideal for charging during longer trips.
The reference provides a helpful comparison of different charging levels:
| Charger Type | Voltage | Typical Power Output | Estimated BEV Charge Time from Empty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 120 V AC | 1 kW | 40 - 50 hours |
| DC Fast Charging | 400 V - 1000 V DC | 50 - 350 kW | 20 minutes - 1 hour |
As highlighted in the table, the DC Fast Charging voltage is substantially higher than Level 1 charging, enabling much faster charging times compared to lower voltage AC charging methods.
