Fast charging vs. standard charging of electric vehicles: Advantages and disadvantages

Fast charging (DC) enables a significantly shorter charging time through the use of direct current, while standard charging (AC) takes longer but is often more cost-effective. However, both charging processes have other differences as well as specific advantages and disadvantages, which we will present to you here.

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Fast charging.

During rapid charging, the alternating current from the power grid is converted into direct current in the charging station and fed into the vehicle battery at high power. This allows the vehicle to charge a large amount of electricity in a short time.

Flux's electric commercial vehicles can achieve a range of 100 km in 15 minutes with a rapid charging capacity of 130 kW.

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Advantages of rapid charging:

• Rapid charging allows for longer distances to be covered, as charging can be carried out on the move with a relatively short charging time.
• In addition, rapid charging allows for greater flexibility, as the vehicle can also be charged at short notice.
• The network of rapid charging stations along motorways is well developed.

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Disadvantages of rapid charging:

• DC charging results in a higher battery load due to the high power with which the battery is charged in a very short time. This can reduce the battery life.
• Likewise, the increased battery load can affect and reduce the range of the vehicle in the longer term.

Standard charging.

When the vehicle is charged via standard charging, the electricity is fed in directly as alternating current and only converted into direct current in the vehicle. This is better for the battery life, as less power is used, but takes longer than DC charging.

Standard charging for Flux vehicles takes approximately 6 hours with a power output of 22 kW.

Advantages of standard charging:

• Standard charging is gentle on the battery and allows for a longer battery life and a higher range in the long term.
• The costs on the user side are lower due to the use of a lower power output. In addition, it is possible to use off-peak electricity when charging overnight, which is generally cheaper.

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Disadvantages of standard charging:

• The charging time for standard charging takes several hours, which is why it is only suitable if there are longer downtimes (such as overnight).
• Therefore, the flexibility is lower than with rapid charging, as the charging times must be taken into account on longer journeys and better planning is required.