AC vs. DC Charging
What is it?
AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) are the two different types of electrical current used to charge an electric vehicle. The key difference lies in where the power is converted from AC to DC.
How it works
The power grid always supplies AC power, but EV batteries can only store DC power. With AC Charging (Level 1 & 2), when you plug into a standard home outlet or a typical public destination charger, the vehicle's onboard charger takes this AC power and converts it to DC. Because onboard chargers are relatively small, this process is slower, typically adding 10 to 30 miles of range per hour. With DC Fast Charging (Level 3), the massive charging station itself converts the grid's AC power into DC power. It bypasses the car's onboard charger and feeds DC power directly into the battery. This allows for massive amounts of power (often 150 kW to 350 kW), adding hundreds of miles of range in just 20-30 minutes.
Why it matters
Understanding the difference helps you plan your trips and manage your battery health. AC charging is cheaper, gentler on the battery, and ideal for overnight charging at home. DC fast charging is essential for road trips but is more expensive and, if used exclusively, can accelerate battery degradation over time.
The Aximote Advantage
Aximote automatically detects whether you are using an AC or DC charger. By logging every charging session natively, Aximote provides a clear breakdown of your charging habits. You can easily see how much you rely on expensive fast charging versus affordable home charging, helping you optimize your routine to save money and protect your battery's long-term health.