What current is used to charge an electric car?

Published: Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

As the popularity of electric vehicles surges globally, including in Poland, the presence of charging stations for these cars is becoming a staple in infrastructure. With this trend, an increasing number of individuals are inquiring about the type of current utilized for charging electric cars. We’re eager to provide the answer.

Electric car chargers come in various types, primarily classified based on the current they use: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current).

AC electric car chargers

The majority of electric cars commonly found on roads utilize an alternating current (AC) charging connector, offering flexibility for charging at various locations, including home sockets. However, these connectors come with a drawback: they charge at a relatively slower pace compared to chargers utilizing direct current (DC). Moreover, integrating the charger within the vehicle can further diminish the charging power.

AC chargers operate with two voltage variations:

  • 230V (single-phase, akin to household sockets): Usually delivering several kilowatts of charging power.
  • 400V (three-phase, known for increased force): Offering charging power typically ranging from 3 kW to 22 kW, and occasionally up to 44 kW, depending on the charger.

Both variations maintain a maximum current of 16A. A power output of around 22 kW allows for relatively efficient charging of an electric vehicle, taking approximately 2 to 5 hours, contingent on the car model.

DC electric car charging stations

Using direct current (DC) connectors for charging significantly reduces battery charging durations. These chargers possess substantially greater power compared to AC chargers, offering a charging range between 50 to 350 kW, with Poland having chargers capped at a maximum power of 150 kW.

DC chargers work by converting alternating current to direct current. They operate within a voltage range of 400-800V and a current typically ranging from 300-500A. Dedicated connectors for various electric vehicle models are employed with DC chargers, such as:

CHAdeMO – A widely used direct current charging standard across Asia and Europe, enabling charging up to 400 kW, with plans in place to potentially enhance its capacity to 900 kW. CCS (Combined Charging System) – This standard supports both direct and alternating current charging, capable of delivering power up to 350 kW. Considered more advanced than CHAdeMO, it’s anticipated to gradually replace it in the future.

Who produces car chargers in Poland?

This year, our portal’s partner, ZPUE, a manufacturer specializing in transformer stations and energy storage solutions, broadened its product line to encompass electric car chargers. ZPUE’s charging stations facilitate both direct current (up to 150 kW) and alternating current (up to 22 kW) charging capabilities. Each station boasts three connectors – 2 x DC and 1 x AC – offering users flexibility. These electric car chargers from ZPUE can be tailored to suit individual user requirements. Moreover, the dynamic allocation of charging power allows simultaneous charging for up to three different electric vehicles at a given time.

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