{"id":244620,"date":"2023-03-01T09:27:56","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T08:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reev.com\/?p=244620"},"modified":"2026-05-20T08:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T06:54:08","slug":"ac-dc-charging-what-is-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reev.com\/en\/ac-dc-charging-what-is-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"AC \/ DC charging – What is the difference and what should I use to charge my electric car?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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AC \/ DC charging - What is the difference and what should I use to charge my electric car?\n<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The famous hard rockers in the band AC\/DC chose their band name for a reason. Behind the bold letters are the abbreviations for alternating current and direct current. No question: fans are electrified by the musicians. However, AC-DC plays a more important role for us when it comes to charging electric cars. <\/span><\/p>

We explain what the terms mean and what you need to look out for in terms of direct current and alternating current in charging stations for electric cars.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is AC \/ DC?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
AC – alternating current<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

AC<\/strong> – English for Alternating Current<\/em> – refers to alternating current. This current comes from German household sockets and most wallboxes. Alternating current (AC) regularly changes its polarity, i.e. the current changes direction 50 times per second. <\/span><\/p>\n

DC – direct current (Direct Current)<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

DC<\/strong> – stands for Direct Current<\/em> and is the equivalent of the German Gleichstrom. In contrast to alternating current, direct current (DC) is constant and only flows in one direction. The polarity remains the same, which is why it is also referred to as direct voltage. <\/span><\/p>\n

Batteries always store direct current (DC)<\/strong>. When charging an electric car, alternating current (AC) must therefore first be converted into direct current – either in the car (AC charging) or at the charging station (DC charging). <\/span><\/p>\n

You can charge your eCar with alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Both variants have their advantages and disadvantages. <\/span><\/p>\n

What kind of charging stations are there?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Electric cars should be charged at charging stations so that they can be charged quickly. There are AC charging stations (normal charging stations)<\/strong>, which can charge with a charging capacity of up to 22 kW, and DC charging stations (fast charging stations)<\/strong>, which usually charge with significantly higher capacities (e.g. 50 kW, 150 kW or more). <\/span><\/p>\n

AC charging stations emit alternating current. This is converted into direct current in the car by the on-board charger. <\/span>
DC charging stations transform the alternating current in the station and then pass direct current directly to the battery. This conversion in the charging station makes much higher charging capacities possible, which is why DC charging is significantly faster. However, fast charging is usually associated with higher costs and is mainly used in public areas, e.g. at highway filling stations. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2192 DC charging is suitable for long journeys with short stops.<\/strong><\/span>
\u2192 AC charging is useful when the vehicle is stationary for longer periods (e.g. at home, at work, when shopping).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

AC charging stations<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n