Electric cars use AC or DC? what's the Difference?

25-02-2022

Electric cars can use two fuels: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The energy from the network is always alternating current. However, batteries such as those in electric vehicles can only store energy in the form of direct current.


If it is a DC motor, it can operate at a voltage of 96-192 volts. Many DC motors used in electric vehicles are manufactured with electric forklifts. If it is an AC motor, it is probably a three-phase AC motor, which is operated by a 300-volt battery with 240-volt AC.


DC installation is usually simpler and cheaper. Typical electric motors range from 20,000 to 30,000 watts. The power range of a typical voltage stabilizer is 40,000 to 60,000 watts (for example, a 96-volt voltage stabilizer). Can provide up to 400 or 600 amperes of current).


DC motors have excellent features, you can overload the motor in a short time (up to 10:1 ratio). This means that a 20,000-watt motor needs 100,000 watts in a short time and provides five times its rated output.


This is ideal for short-term acceleration. The only limitation is that the engine is overheated. With too much overload, the overloaded motor heats up so much that it destroys itself.

In fact, any commercially available three-phase AC motor can be used with an AC device, so that a motor with a specific size, shape, or rating can be easily found. AC motors and controls usually have a regeneration function. Generate and power the battery.


  • AC charging for electric vehicles

For electric cars, the converter is built into the car. Even though it is actually a converter, it is also called a “car charger”. It converts alternating current into direct current and then powers the car battery. This is the most common. Today, the charging method of electric vehicles and most chargers use AC power.

  • DC charging for electric vehicles

It is understood that the main power supply is always alternating current. The difference between an AC load and a DC load is the switching position of the AC power source. Inside or outside the vehicle. Unlike the AC charger, the DC charger has a converter in the charger.

This means that your car battery can be directly powered and can be converted without the need for a built-in charger. Faster-an an exciting breakthrough for electric vehicles.


Most charging stations for electric cars you can find today use AC charging and not DC, with a typical charging rate of 22 kW, depending on the power available in your vehicle and charging infrastructure. This is great for charging a car at home or at work because it requires a longer charging time.

On the other hand, DC charging is more common near highways or public charging stations, where you don’t have much time to charge. However, DC charging is entering the home charging method, and provides customers with new options, because it can not only achieve fast charging but also two-way charging.


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