As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, one of the biggest questions for new owners is: Where and how should I charge my EV? While you can charge at home or at public charging stations, the main difference lies in the type of charging—AC (Alternating Current) Home Chargers and DC (Direct Current) Public Chargers.

Let’s break down the difference between the two.

1. Power Source & Conversion

• AC Home Charger: Supplies electricity in alternating current (AC). However, EV batteries can only store direct current (DC). This means the conversion from AC to DC happens inside the car, through an onboard charger.
• DC Public Charger: Directly supplies DC power to the EV battery. The conversion is handled by the charging station itself, which is why DC chargers can deliver much higher charging speeds.

2. Charging Speed

• AC Home Charger:
  • Power Output: 3.3 kW – 22 kW
  • Charging Time: 6–8 hours (for a full charge, depending on battery size)
  • Best for overnight charging at home.
• DC Public Charger:
  • Power Output: 25 kW – 350 kW
  • Charging Time: 20–60 minutes (to reach 80%)
  • Designed for fast top-ups during travel.

3. Installation & Cost

• AC Home Charger:
  • Simple installation at home or office.
  • More affordable compared to DC fast chargers.
  • Requires less space and lower infrastructure.
• DC Public Charger:
  • High-cost installation due to advanced technology.
  • Needs heavy electrical infrastructure and high-voltage grid connection.
  • Usually set up at public charging stations, highways, or commercial hubs.

4. Use Case

• AC Home Charger:
  • Best for daily home charging.
  • Convenient and cost-efficient.
  • Suitable for people who have regular charging hours (e.g., overnight).
• DC Public Charger:
  • Best for long-distance travel.
  • Ideal when you need a quick boost in a short time.
  • Helps reduce “range anxiety” during road trips.