Charge rates and AC & DC charging
What's the difference?
At Radius Charge, we hand-pick a selection of charge point hardware that we trust. These units include a variety of charge ratings ranging from 7.4kW, all the way up to 250kW.
What does this mean for your installation?
AC & DC Charging
Firstly, let’s look at AC and DC charging. Standard home charge points use an alternating current also known as an ‘AC’. Most plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) will charge using an AC charger.
Direct current – or ‘DC’ chargers are used for rapid charging. Rapid chargers allow an EV to be refilled to 80% battery power in as little as 30 minutes. The DC units are often very large, heavy, and expensive, and are usually used by fleet or taxi companies where a quick charge rate is required. Not all EVs are equipped with a rapid charge connection, so you’ll need to know if yours has the capability.
Charge rate
Most electric vehicles will charge at up to 11kW per hour and take around 10 hours to charge from empty. However, it’s important to understand that when charging with an AC charger, the vehicle determines the charge rate, not the charge point.
Some vehicles do allow charging at higher rates when using an AC charger. The BMW i3 charges at 11kW, and the Tesla Model S charges at 16.5kW, which can result in a full charge after only 5 hours.
Workplace charging
Although a 7kW charge point should be sufficient for home users, for workplace charge points, we recommend installing 22kW units. They offer the greatest flexibility, providing a quick charge time without degrading your EV battery.
If you’re still unsure which charge point is best for you, get in touch with our EV experts, who can provide a complimentary consultation and help you find the perfect charging solution for your home or business.
