AC vs DC: What’s the Right EV Charging Solution for Your Business?
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Thinking about EV chargers for your business premises? It pays to understand the difference between AC and DC charging. They both do the job – but how they do it and how fast they do it is very different.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the smart choice.
AC vs DC: What’s the difference?
AC stands for Alternating Current. DC stands for Direct Current. Both types of chargers will power up an EV, but how they do it, and how fast they do it, varies significantly.
AC chargers send electricity to the car, which is then converted into DC by the car’s onboard inverter before it reaches the battery.
DC chargers have an internal inverter which means the energy can bypass the car's inverter and go straight to the battery, meaning quicker and more efficient charging.
That conversion step is the game changer. It means DC charging is faster - much faster.
When speed matters
Because DC chargers skip the conversion step, they enable rapid and ultra-fast charging. That means less waiting around - ideal for fleet drivers, delivery vans, or anyone doing back-to-back trips. It gets them back on the road faster. They’re also a great perk to offer VIPs, visiting clients, or anyone who might need a quick top-up.
When slower makes sense
AC chargers, on the other hand, take a bit longer. But they still have a crucial role to play. They’re perfect for workplaces or destinations where vehicles are parked for hours at a time - like fleets that charge overnight or staff car parks. They’re also less costly and demand less power, making them ideal for businesses with budget-conscious EV strategies or with limited available power.
AC or DC – Which is best for your business?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right charging solution depends on your site, your budget, and how your EVs are used. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Plug me in, we take a strategic view of your EV charging needs. That means looking beyond the immediate install to the bigger picture – your energy infrastructure, your operational needs, your future growth.
We’ll carry out a full site survey and help you weigh up the key factors:
- Charging speed – how fast do you need vehicles to charge?
- Budget – what’s the best value solution for your business?
- Space and power – how much room do you have, and what’s your current capacity?
- Users – who will be charging? Staff, customers, or the public?
From there, we’ll recommend the smartest option – whether that’s AC, DC, or a hybrid of both.
Smarter charging starts here.
If you’re planning EV charging at your workplace, don’t leave it to guesswork. Tap into our expertise. We’ll design a solution that delivers for your people, your business and your budget.
With a national team of expert engineers and end-to-end support, we’ll make your transition to electric simple, smart and future-ready.
Let’s power up your business for the future.
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