The difference between fast and slow charging of charging stations

What is the difference between fast charging and slow charging in charging stations

Fast charging and slow charging are relative concepts. Generally, fast charging involves high-power DC charging, which can reach 80% of the battery capacity in half an hour. Slow charging refers to AC charging, and the charging process takes 6-8 hours. The charging speed of electric vehicles is closely related to the charger power, battery charging characteristics, and temperature.

At the current level of battery technology, even with fast charging, it takes 30 minutes to reach 80% of the battery capacity. After 80%, in order to protect battery safety, the charging current must be reduced, and it takes a long time to charge to 100%. In addition, when the winter temperature is low, the charging current required for the battery decreases and the charging time increases.

A car can have two charging ports because there are two charging modes: constant voltage and constant current. Generally, constant current and voltage are used, resulting in relatively high charging efficiency. Fast charging is caused by different charging voltages and currents, with higher currents leading to faster charging. When the battery is about to be fully charged, switching to constant voltage can prevent overcharging and protect the battery.

Whether it is a plug-in hybrid or a pure electric vehicle, the car will be equipped with an onboard charger, which can directly charge the car in a place with a 220V power socket. This method is generally used for emergency charging, and the charging speed is also the slowest. We often refer to "flying wire charging" (which means pulling a wire from a 220V power outlet in a high-rise residential building and charging it with the vehicle), but this charging method has significant safety hazards, and it is not recommended for new travelers to charge their vehicles in this way.

At present, there are two specifications of car plugs corresponding to household 220V power sockets: 10A and 16A. Different models are equipped with different plugs, some with 10A plugs and some with 16A plugs. The 10A plug has the same specifications as our daily household appliances, with smaller pins. The 16A plug has relatively large pins, which are the same size as the empty socket at home, making it relatively inconvenient to use. If your car is equipped with a 16A car charger, it is recommended to purchase an adapter for easy use.

How to distinguish between fast and slow charging for 2 charging stations

Firstly, the fast and slow charging interfaces of electric vehicles correspond to DC and AC interfaces, as well as DC fast charging and AC slow charging. Generally, fast charging has 5 interfaces, while slow charging has 7 interfaces. In addition, we can also see fast and slow charging from the charging cable, and the charging cable for fast charging is relatively thicker. Of course, some electric vehicles have only one charging mode due to various considerations such as cost and battery capacity, so they will only have one charging port.

Charging is fast, but building a website is complex and costly. Fast charging is usually a direct current (also known as AC) that charges the car's battery directly. In addition to power from the grid, fast charging stations should also be equipped with fast chargers. It is more suitable for users to replenish their battery midway, but not every household has the conditions to install fast charging. Therefore, for convenience, the car is equipped with a slow charging function, and for cost considerations, there are also a large number of slow charging stations to improve coverage.

Slow charging refers to the use of the vehicle's built-in charging system for slow charging. Slow charging is beneficial for the battery as it has sufficient power. Moreover, the construction of charging stations is relatively simple, requiring only sufficient power supply. No need for additional high current charging equipment, low threshold. It is very convenient to use at home and can be charged anywhere with a power source.

Slow charging takes about 8-10 hours to fully charge the battery, while fast charging has a relatively high current of 150-300 Amps, and can fully charge 80% in about half an hour. More suitable for midway power supply. Of course, high current charging can have a slight impact on battery life. In order to improve charging speed, there are more and more fast grouting piles! The charging stations constructed in the later stage are mostly fast charging, and the slow charging stations in some areas are no longer updated and maintained. If damaged, they can be charged directly.