AC or DC, Which One is Better for Users?

As the development of new energy vehicles becomes increasingly mature, charging methods have become a hot topic for consumers. Among the many charging methods, DC charging and AC charging are undoubtedly the two most common ones. Many people have questions about which of these two methods is more reliable. So let’s discuss and look at the advantages and disadvantages of DC charging and AC charging, as well as their impact on battery health.

Charging time and cost

DC fast charging requires the installation of fixed charging stations to meet the high-power fast charging needs of electric vehicles. In order to recover the cost for base station construction, DC charging costs are much more expensive than home AC charging. Although charging time is saved, the cost of using the car is greatly increased.

Impact on batteries

DC fast charging causes greater wear and tear on the battery than AC charging, and long-term use may reduce the service life of the battery. During DC charging, the battery temperature will rise, which will be accompanied by some side effects, such as electrolyte decomposition and deposition on the electrodes, resulting in reduced reversibility and a decrease in battery capacity.

The advantage of AC charging is mainly reflected in its friendliness to the battery. Compared with DC fast charging, AC charging causes less damage to the battery and helps extend battery life. In addition, the battery temperature rises more slowly during AC charging, which ensures the safety and stability of the battery.

With the development of science and technology, charging technology will be more advanced in the future. For example, the emergence of solid-state batteries may change the impact of DC fast charging on battery health, because solid-state batteries have greater energy density and are more stable than existing lithium batteries. Moreover, it can withstand faster charging speeds. In addition, innovations in charging technology, such as wireless charging and the construction of super charging stations, will also bring new impetus to the development of new energy vehicles.