Fast charging stations, or Level 3 charging stations, are also known as DCFC (Direct Current Fast Chargers). They are the fastest and most powerful on the market, designed to provide a power output that generally ranges from 150-350 kilowatts (kW), though it may begin at 30kW and reach into the megawatts (MW). Here’s what you need to know about DCFC and your business.
What Is DC Fast Charging?
DC stands for direct current (DC) and refers to electricity that flows in a single direction in a constant and uniform manner, without voltage variations. Unlike alternating current (AC), which is commonly used in homes and oscillates in cycles from positive to negative, direct current maintains a stable flow, allowing for fast and efficient charging in devices such as electric vehicle batteries. Energy is stored in batteries as Direct Current.
DC fast charging technology for EVs began to gain importance starting in the 2010s with the emergence of the new era of electric vehicles and their growth in production.
Charging Levels for Electric Vehicles
There are three levels of charging for electric vehicles:
Level 1: Slow charging. Typically the charger included with the vehicle uses a standard 110-120 V outlet. It offers a power of approximately 1.4kW to 3kW, providing between 6 and 10 km of autonomy per hour of charging. Due to the “trickle charge” that may require 12+ hours of charging time, most EV drivers only use a Level 1 charger in an emergency.
Level 2: Standard charging. L2 charging uses a 240V connection, increasing the charging speed significantly. Its power ranges between 3.3kW and 19.2kW, and is common in homes and commercial charging stations. In general, Level 2 EV chargers may charge an EV overnight or during the workday in 4-10 hours depending on the vehicle.
Level 3/DCFC: Fast charging. DC fast charging uses direct current (DC) and is the fastest type of charging available, suitable for fleet or public stations near a highway. Level 3 chargers can typically charge a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in less than an hour.
All plug-in EVs can use Level 1 and Level 2 charging, but only fully-electric vehicles can use DCFC.
Note: With advances in technology, you may hear about a Level 4 DCFC or megawatt (MW) chargers. These chargers would be able to charge a compatible vehicle in less than five minutes. CharIN, a global standards organization focused on DCFC standardization, is focusing Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standardization “on Class 6, 7, & 8 commercial vehicles, but [it] could easily be used for buses, aircrafts, or other large battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with huge battery packs and ability to accept a >1MW charge rate.” Research and development into MW charging technology continues.
Read more about charging levels and connectors.
Features and Benefits of DC Fast Chargers (DCFC)
DCFC chargers offer a number of key advantages that make them an ideal choice for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These advantages include:
High speed: the chargers allow for a nearly full charge in less time, optimizing the EV driver experience.
Higher power: Although fast-charging models start at 30 kW, most high-power stations can deliver between 150 kW and 360 kW, allowing vehicles to be recharged and ready to continue their journey in less than an hour.
High capacity: They are ideal for handling high demands, high influx of electric vehicles or where driver turnover is constant.
Easy maintenance: Despite their high initial cost, DCFC chargers are designed to withstand intensive use, which makes them easier to maintain and prolongs their useful life.
Less waiting time: Due to their amperage, waiting times are shorter compared to Level 2 chargers.
