Is the answer to Public EV Charging AC or DC?

As Electric Vehicle (EV) usage and public charging networks expand, a conundrum appears as to what the most efficient and future-proof charging approaches emerges: Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC). The debate over whether AC or DC charging is the key to a greener and more accessible EV ecosystem has emerged among automakers, legislators, and consumers. Both AC and DC charging technologies have distinct advantages and disadvantages, with each influencing aspects like charging speed & cost, infrastructure investment, and user convenience.

While AC charging has long been the standard for charging at home and in the workplace, DC fast charging has emerged as the frontrunner for facilitating long-distance travel and reducing charging times for convenience. Although the question appears simple, the answer is not as straightforward; as it turns out, there is a need for both but that unfortunately makes Network Planning even more complex!?It is estimated that there will be a need for DC Charging even in towns and cities (please see below)

Why is there a need for both?

At the moment, the demographic of current EV users has meant that AC charging has been at the forefront with an estimate of 80% of EV users charging their vehicles at home. However, as adoption grows and the profile of EV drivers shifts this is bound to change. Public AC chargers are essential for residential areas, as well as destinations with long dwell times, like hotels.

In general, AC charging infrastructure is less expensive to install and operate than high-power DC fast chargers. As a result, companies, apartment complexes, and public parking lots with restricted budgets opt for the installation of AC charging stations, which also makes sense because of the longer dwell time.

DC fast chargers, on the other hand, are essential for long-distance travel and provide a high level of convenience. While they come with a higher price tag, consumers are willing to pay for the convenience of substantially faster charging, allowing EVs to add hundreds of miles of range, typically in 30 minutes or less.

DC fast chargers alleviate range anxiety by being placed along highways and main routes, while also catering to individuals and especially business users who do not have the time or opportunity for a 6-10 hour charge.?

The need for both can also be illustrated with the example of locations that can either have a short or long dwell time, requiring both charger types, such as hotels; consumers can either stop for a quick lunch and top up with a DC charger or stay overnight and plug in to an AC one.

The logic behind a blended network

Unfortunately, most CPOs focus on one flavour?of charging, although this is beginning to evolve presently they often deploy what they have instead of what the market requires. EV users have diverse demands and as the market grows, it is likely that only CPO's who can satisfy the whole range of demands will be the most successful.

On one hand having a blended network means catering to users in residential and workplace settings, but also on longer trips and in time poor scenarios. New charging technologies and standards will also develop as the EV sector evolves. With both AC and DC chargers, CPOs may change their infrastructure to suit future EV market trends without having to replace the entire charging network. Operators can diversify their revenue streams by installing both AC and DC chargers.

While AC charging may retain frequent customers for longer periods of time, DC fast charging, because of ease and shorter charging times, can produce more revenue each charging session. As local authorities invest in public charging networks, they are incentivising both AC and DC charger installation. Local authorities are already struggling with just AC deployment and a blended network is even more complex and difficult to plan and deploy making CPOs who can provide a blend preferred partners.

Anecdotally, it appears that the buyers (Local Authourities particularly)? are becoming more more educated and sophisticated in their understanding of a blended estate as I have heard to tender responses being rejected for not considering both within the bid.

Whist it's good for CPOs to have a sole focus, because AC and DC are pretty different beasts perhaps it's unfortunate for Local Authorities, when they don't have a single supplier to manage and motivate it is a challenge to plan a network that serves the public well. It does seem that CPOs, either on there own or in cooperation with others that do not offer both may in the future be disadvantaged and much less likely to be successful.?

In conclusion

The need for both AC and DC charging solutions is evident due to the diverse demands of electric vehicle users. AC charging drives EV adoption with home charging and workplace convenience, while DC fast chargers are essential for long-distance travel and reducing charging times. A blended network of both options allows for future adaptability, caters to varied scenarios, and positions charge point operators for sustained growth in the evolving EV market.

About Dodona Analytics

We are the leading EV network-planning platform and work with some of the most ambitious and successful CPOs to help deploy many tens of thousands of chargers every year. As Data Scientists that are experts in Future Mobility and changing the way we drive, we are passionate about building a better future!