A fast car charger is a device that charges electric vehicles much more quickly than standard onboard chargers. These chargers are typically called "DC fast chargers" or simply "fast chargers".
Understanding Fast Car Chargers
Unlike the typical AC (alternating current) chargers found in homes, fast chargers use DC (direct current), allowing them to bypass the vehicle's onboard charger and deliver power directly to the battery at a much higher rate. The main advantages are:
- Speed: They can charge an electric car significantly faster than a regular wall outlet or Level 2 charger.
- Direct Power: Fast chargers deliver DC power directly to the car's battery. This speeds up the charging process.
How Fast Are They?
Fast chargers are considerably faster than onboard chargers. According to the provided reference:
- Typical fast chargers deliver around 300 kW. This is about 25 to 80 times faster than an onboard charger.
- The new generation of fast chargers (introduced early 2023) can deliver 400 kW.
Practical Implications
The high power output of fast chargers allows for quick top-ups during long journeys. This addresses one of the major concerns with electric vehicles, namely, range anxiety.
Key differences between fast chargers and onboard chargers:
| Feature | Fast Charger (DC) | Onboard Charger (AC) |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Speed | Very Fast | Slow |
| Power Delivery | Direct to Battery | Through Onboard Charger |
| Typical Power | 300-400 kW | Much Lower |
| Usage | Public Stations | Home/Work |
Example
- A typical EV that takes 8 hours to charge using an onboard charger could charge in under an hour with a fast charger.
Conclusion
Fast car chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are essential for electric vehicle owners who need to quickly charge their vehicles during longer trips. They provide a fast and convenient solution to power up EVs in a fraction of the time compared to onboard charging.
