ArenaEV.com ArenaEV.com

Facebook

Twitter

RSS

Settings
Units
Power
Standard
Consumption
Currency

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
ADVERTISEMENTS

DC charging - definition

DC charging refers to an EV's capacity to take DC (direct current) straight from a charger and store that charge in its battery.

Unlike in the case of AC chargers, with DC chargers the conversion from AC (from the grid) to DC happens within the charging station, allowing DC power to flow directly from the station and into the battery. Because the conversion process happens inside the more spacious charging station and not the EV, larger converters can be used to convert AC power from the grid very quickly. As a result, some DC stations can provide up to 350 kW of power and fully charge an EV in 15-30 minutes.

DC charging forms a degrading charging curve. This is due to the EV's battery initially accepting a quicker flow of power but gradually asking for less as it reaches full capacity. DC charging is more common near highways or at public charging stations, where you don't have much time to recharge.

In our spec pages you'll see a specific EV model's maximum DC charging support, as well as an estimate of how fast that car would charge if connected to the fastest DC charger it supports. These estimates are usually released by manufacturers as "time from 10 to 80%" of charge, since the final 20% will take much longer due to the degrading charging curve described above.

Related terms:

  • Battery capacity
  • Battery tech
  • AC charging
  • Consumption
  • Recuperation
  • Heat pump

A

AC charging | Acceleration | Airbags

B

Base price | Battery capacity | Battery tech | BEV | Body type

C

Car Life Cycle | Center display | Connectivity | Consumption | Crash tests

D

Data disclaimer | DC charging | Dimensions | Drag coefficient | Driver's display | Driving aids

F

Frunk

H

Head-up display | Heat pump | HEV

M

Max speed

P

Parking aids | PHEV | Powertrain

R

Range | Recuperation | Roof

S

Seats | Self driving | Suspension

T

Torque | Towing | Trunk

W

Weight | Wheelbase | Wheels

  • Home
  • News
  • Compare
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • About us
  • Tesla
  • Volkswagen
  • Audi
  • Porsche
  • BMW
  • Mercedes
  • Hyundai
  • Kia
  • Genesis
  • Renault
  • Nissan
  • Ford
  • Volvo
  • Polestar
  • Jaguar
  • Toyota
  • Mazda
  • Mini
  • MG
  • Vinfast
  • Lucid
  • Rivian
  • Cadillac
  • Chevrolet
  • GMC
  • Subaru
  • Nio
  • Xpeng
  • BYD
  • [..]

EV finder

ADVERTISEMENTS

Featured

  • Real-life test reveals how much range EVs lose in the cold Real-life test reveals how much range EVs lose in the cold
  • Different types of electric motors used in EVs Different types of electric motors used in EVs
  • Mirror cameras: The pros and cons Mirror cameras: The pros and cons
  • Analyzing the Mercedes-Benz EQXX revolutionary concept Analyzing the Mercedes-Benz EQXX revolutionary concept
  • Why solar panels on cars make no sense (at this point) Why solar panels on cars make no sense (at this point)
ADVERTISEMENTS

Home News Compare Glossary About us RSS feed Facebook Twitter

© 2022-2023 ArenaEV.com Mobile version EV Finder Privacy Terms of use

From the team behind
GSMArena.com