AC charging (alternating current, up to 22 kW) and DC charging (direct current, from 50 kW) are two fundamentally different technologies. The difference lies not only in speed, but primarily in cost and use case.
How it works, in one paragraph
An EV battery always operates on direct current. With AC charging, the vehicle itself converts the alternating current from the grid into direct current — this happens via the onboard charger, which has a power limit (usually 11 kW). With DC charging, this conversion takes place within the charging station itself, allowing much higher power levels (50–350 kW) to be delivered directly to the battery.
Cost difference
- AC 11 kW: €1,500–€3,500 incl. installation
- AC 22 kW: €2,500–€5,000 incl. installation
- DC 50 kW: €25,000–€45,000 incl. installation
- DC 150+ kW: €60,000–€120,000 incl. installation + almost always requires a grid upgrade
When is DC appropriate?
Three scenarios:
- Short downtime, high mileage — taxis, courier services, rental cars.
- Customer-oriented fast-charging location — hotels, motorway restaurants, retail outlets using charging as a drawcard.
- Operational continuity — a logistics fleet where a 30-minute difference per charging session is crucial for scheduling.
When is AC sufficient?
In 90% of business situations. An employee who arrives in the evening and leaves in the morning has 12 hours of downtime — more than enough for 11 kW AC to fully charge the vehicle. In such cases, investing in DC is a waste of capital.
The intermediate solution: DC 25–30 kW
A new category of compact DC chargers priced around €15,000–€20,000 fills a niche gap: fast enough for flexible afternoon top-ups, yet affordable enough for SMEs. This represents an interesting compromise for companies with occasional fast-charging needs.
Conclusion
Default = AC. DC only when there is a demonstrable operational or commercial reason for it. An installer who recommends DC as standard without such an analysis is selling you margin rather than a solution.
Read also
- Fast charger at your business site: when is 50 kW DC useful and when is it overkill?
- Choosing a home charging station: 11 kW vs 22 kW vs smart station — decision tree
- OCPP and interoperability: why brand independence is important
Are you undecided between AC and DC for your business site? Schedule a consultation — our technical advisor will calculate the right mix based on your usage patterns.