The difference between AC and DC electric vehicle chargers

Last updated 11/21/2022

Why trust SaveOnEnergy?

At SaveOnEnergy, we work to offer accurate information with editorial integrity.Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read more about how we make money.

Key points:

DC charging is faster than AC charging for electric vehicles (EVs).
Public DC charging stations are less common because it requires advanced infrastructure.
DC, also called Level 3, charging stations are not typically installed in homes due to the voltage level needed.

Knowing the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) car charging is vital when taking care of an electric vehicle. It will help you understand how long charging takes and whether you want to charge your EV at home or at public charging stations. Where you primarily charge your EV will affect the cost of eGallons for your vehicle and the overall cost of charging your car.

AC vs. DC chargers

The difference between AC and DC charging is how electricity converts to charge the vehicle battery. This conversion is what leads to slower or fast charging times and what makes charging at home an option or not. Because of how an electric motor works, it is okay to use an AC charger and a DC charger interchangeably for your car. This is different than gas-powered vehicles, where it’s recommended that you don’t mix the octane fuel grades for fear of causing engine harm.

How an AC charger for your car works

An EV charger that uses AC must convert the electricity from AC to DC power. AC is what you get from the power grid. For example, when you plug in any device in your home, it uses AC. All Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers use AC. However, electric vehicle batteries store the power as DC. So, power must be converted twice: from AC to DC when charging the battery and back again from DC to AC when the battery discharges.

How a DC charger for your car works

DC does not have to convert to charge an EV battery. No power conversion takes place when DC charges the battery. With a DC fast charger, energy is not lost when charging the EV battery, which means a faster and more efficient use of power.

Pros and cons of AC vs. DC chargers

You will probably use AC and DC charging stations over the life of your EV. However, it’s good to know the pros and cons so you can decide which charger you will primarily use and the best EV charger for home charging.

Compare AC vs. DC electric vehicle chargers

You may wonder which is better: an AC or DC car charger? The answer depends on what you need from your EV charger. A DC charger is best if you want the fastest, most efficient charger. However, Level 2 AC chargers are considered the best for daily use because they are cheaper, accessible for home use, and work with a greater variety of vehicles without any adapter necessary (Tesla is the only EV that currently needs an adapter to use non-Tesla charging stations). Find more advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC chargers in the table.

Pros and cons of AC and DC chargers

Type of EV charger	Pros	Cons
AC chargers	Best for residential use Cheaper Can fully charge EV overnight Simple structure is less prone to breakage Chargers can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Most common at public charging stations	Longer charging time Requires you to stay in one location longer when using public charging stations Less efficient because some power is lost when current is converted
DC chargers	Faster charging time Best for cars and fleet vehicles that need to be back in use quickly More convenient on long-distance trips	Larger in size Not for residential use More expensive public charging Harder to find DC public charging stations Does not use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Where to find AC and DC charging stations

This U.S. Department of Energy map shows all the charging stations nationwide. Filter by ZIP code to see the closest charging stations in your area. You can also filter by AC or DC charger for a car based on your charger compatibility. Popular navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze can also help you find charging stations.