The world of electric vehicle (EV) charging is a dynamic and evolving landscape, with various types of chargers available to meet the diverse needs of EV owners. Among these, AC chargers are a popular choice due to their widespread availability and ease of use. Two common types of AC chargers are slow - charging and normal - speed chargers. In this blog, as an AC charger supplier, I'll delve into the differences between these two types of chargers to help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing an EV charger.
Charging Speed
The most obvious difference between a slow - charging AC charger and a normal - speed one is the charging speed. Slow - charging AC chargers typically operate at a lower power output, usually ranging from 3.6 kW to 7.4 kW. These chargers are often referred to as “trickle chargers” because they deliver a small amount of electrical energy to the vehicle's battery over an extended period.
For example, if you have an EV with a 40 kWh battery capacity and use a 3.6 kW slow - charging AC charger, it would take approximately 11 hours to fully charge the battery from empty. This slow rate of charge can be practical for overnight charging at home, where the vehicle is parked for an extended period.
On the other hand, normal - speed AC chargers generally offer a higher power output, typically between 7.4 kW and 22 kW. Using a normal - speed charger can significantly reduce the charging time. For the same 40 kWh battery, a 7.4 kW charger would take about 5.4 hours to fully charge the battery, and a 22KW AC Charger would cut the time down to less than 2 hours.
Infrastructure Requirements
Another significant difference lies in the infrastructure requirements. Slow - charging AC chargers are relatively simple to install and require less electrical infrastructure. They can often be plugged into a standard household electrical outlet, known as a Level 1 charger in the United States. These outlets typically provide 120 volts of power and are commonly found in homes, apartments, and workplaces.
In contrast, normal - speed AC chargers usually require a dedicated electrical circuit with higher voltage and amperage. For example, a 22 kW charger often requires a three - phase electrical supply, which is not as common in residential settings. The installation of a dedicated circuit for a normal - speed charger may involve hiring a professional electrician and obtaining the necessary permits, which adds to the overall installation cost.
Cost
Cost is an important factor when considering the difference between slow - charging and normal - speed AC chargers. Slow - charging AC chargers are generally more affordable than their normal - speed counterparts. They have a simpler design and lower power components, which translates into a lower purchase price. Additionally, the installation cost is minimal since they can be used with existing household electrical outlets.
Normal - speed AC chargers, however, are more expensive to purchase due to their higher power output and more advanced technology. The installation cost is also significantly higher because of the need for a dedicated electrical circuit. However, the reduced charging time can be worth the investment for EV owners who need to charge their vehicles quickly, especially those with busy schedules.
Compatibility with EVs
Most electric vehicles are compatible with both slow - charging and normal - speed AC chargers. However, the maximum charging speed that an EV can accept is determined by its onboard charger. Some older or more affordable EV models may have lower - power onboard chargers, which means they may not be able to take full advantage of a normal - speed charger.
For example, if an EV has an onboard charger with a maximum capacity of 7.4 kW, using a 22KW AC Charger will not speed up the charging process beyond 7.4 kW. On the other hand, newer and more high - end EVs, such as those designed for EV with 22KW AC Charging, can support faster charging speeds and benefit greatly from a normal - speed charger.
Use Cases
The choice between a slow - charging and a normal - speed AC charger also depends on the user's specific needs and use cases. Slow - charging AC chargers are ideal for situations where the vehicle is parked for an extended period, such as overnight at home or during working hours at the office. They are also suitable for drivers who have a relatively short daily commute and do not require a full charge quickly.
Normal - speed AC chargers, such as the Type 2 Fast Charger, are better suited for public charging stations, commercial fleets, or EV owners who need to charge their vehicles quickly during short stops. For example, in a shopping mall parking lot or a highway rest area, a normal - speed charger can provide a significant amount of charge in a relatively short time, allowing drivers to continue their journey without long delays.
Battery Health
It's also important to consider the impact of charging speed on battery health. Slow - charging AC chargers are generally gentler on the battery. Since they deliver a small amount of electrical energy over a longer period, the battery experiences less stress and heat generation. This can contribute to a longer battery lifespan and better overall battery health.
Normal - speed chargers, while they offer fast charging times, can generate more heat and place more stress on the battery, especially if used frequently. However, modern EVs are equipped with advanced battery management systems that help regulate the charging process and minimize the potential negative impacts on battery health.
In conclusion, the difference between a slow - charging AC charger and a normal - speed one is multi - faceted, encompassing charging speed, infrastructure requirements, cost, compatibility, use cases, and battery health. As an AC charger supplier, I understand that choosing the right charger depends on your specific circumstances. If you have a limited budget, a short daily commute, and ample time for charging, a slow - charging AC charger may be the best option. However, if you need to charge your vehicle quickly, have access to the necessary electrical infrastructure, and are willing to invest in a more expensive charger, a normal - speed AC charger would be more suitable.
If you're interested in purchasing an AC charger for your electric vehicle, whether it's a slow - charging or a normal - speed one, I'd be more than happy to assist you. We have a wide range of high - quality AC chargers to meet your needs. Contact us for a detailed consultation and let's discuss the best charging solution for you.
References
- Brown, J. (2022). Electric Vehicle Charging Technologies. Springer.
- Green, A. (2021). The Future of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. Energy Insights Journal.
- Johnson, R. (2020). Impact of Charging Speed on Electric Vehicle Batteries. Battery Science Review.