What is better: AC or DC charger current?

Do you need AC or DC charger charging for electric vehicles?

Even Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were fighting over this. So how can we know what is better for electric vehicles?

As usual, there is no simple answer. Sorry...

But great news, here at Ampcontrol we often have similar discussions. So here are some thoughts, and we will share more in the next few days.

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Alternating Current (AC) Power

Alternating current (AC) power can be described simply as the standard electricity that comes out of power stations and travels along power lines to homes and other buildings, sometimes referred to as mains or utility power.

Alternating means that the flow of the charge (electrons) periodically changes direction. Alternators create AC power by spinning a wire loop inside a magnetic field.

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Direct Current (DC) Power

Direct current (DC) power, as the name suggests, is electric current that moves in a straight line.

Direct current can come from multiple sources, including batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, petrol generators, and some modified alternators.

DC power can also be "made" from AC power by using a rectifier that converts AC to DC.

Not all electrical devices use DC power. Many devices, especially household appliances such as lamps, washing machines, and refrigerators, rely on AC power, which is delivered directly from the power grid via power outlets.

The wave-like motion of AC power means it can travel further than DC power, a huge advantage when it comes to delivering power to consumers via power lines.

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Read more on how to apply AC and DC charging to electric vehicles here: How to mix AC and DC charging stations?