--- title: The differences between AC and DC EV chargers description: Businesses that want to thrive, not just survive, need to keep up with the demand for EV charging stations to attract and retain customers and employees. image: https://devitech.co.uk/hubfs/DV-177.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides/the-differences-between-ac-and-dc-ev-chargers#main-content) [![Devitech-SMCC-Group-Logo-RGB-Web-1500](https://devitech.co.uk/hubfs/Devitech-SMCC-Group-Logo-RGB-Web-1500.png)](https://devitech.co.uk) - [About Devitech](https://devitech.co.uk/about-us) - Start your Journey - [Our Process](https://devitech.co.uk/starting-your-journey) - [Our Solutions](https://devitech.co.uk/project-solution) - [Charger Options](https://devitech.co.uk/charger-overview) - [Project Finance](https://devitech.co.uk/ev-subscribe) - Project Industries - [Education](https://devitech.co.uk/education) - [Hotels](https://devitech.co.uk/hotel-and-leisure) - [Workplace](https://devitech.co.uk/workplace) - [Retail](https://devitech.co.uk/retail) - [Fleet](https://devitech.co.uk/fleet) - [Home](https://devitech.co.uk/ev-home) - Charger Management - [Charger Management](https://devitech.co.uk/back-office-management) - [Maintenance & Aftercare](https://devitech.co.uk/maintenance-aftercare-support) - Case Studies and Blogs - [Case Studies](https://devitech.co.uk/case-studies) - [Blogs](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides) - Guides - Funding & Grants - [Government Funding](https://devitech.co.uk/government-funding) - [Devitech Downloads](https://devitech.co.uk/devitech-guides) - [FAQs](https://devitech.co.uk/faq) - [Contact Us](https://devitech.co.uk/contact-us) # The differences between AC and DC EV chargers [Dan Booker](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides/author/dan-booker) Jun 25, 2024 1:50:42 PM *This blog post explores the differences between AC and DC EV charging.* ![The differences between AC and DC EV chargers - Devitech](https://devitech.co.uk/hubfs/DV-177.jpg) When it comes to electric mobility, two types of electrical currents can be used to charge an electric vehicle - AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current). **What are AC chargers?** The most common method of charging electric vehicles is through AC power, which utilises the vehicle's ‘onboard charger’ to convert power from AC to DC before feeding it into the battery. It's a common misconception that chargers determine the charging rate, as it's actually the vehicle itself that determines the maximum power capacity that the charger can deliver. **What are DC chargers?** With DC chargers, the converter is housed inside the EV charger itself, which feeds power directly to the battery without the need for the ‘onboard charger’ to convert it. DC chargers are generally bigger, faster and considered a significant breakthrough for EVs.  However, similar to the AC charging method, the EV determines the maximum power capacity that the charger can deliver and accept. For instance, a Mercedes-Benz EQC has a maximum charge speed capability of 110kw. Therefore, even when connected to a 350kw rapid charger, the vehicle will only take a maximum of 110kw. When deciding between AC and DC chargers, critical factors to take into account include charging speed, cost-effectiveness and benefits. [Contact our team](https://devitech.co.uk/contact-us) for more support. ![team-2](https://devitech.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/team-2.png?width=150&height=150&name=team-2.png)    Dan Booker, Head of EV Projects at Devitech [Book a Free Site Assessment](https://devitech.co.uk/starting-your-journey) [DeviTech](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides/tag/devitech) ## Leave a Comment ## Related Posts ### [May 23, 2024 4:06:29 PM Monetising your EV chargers with digital display advertising](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides/monetising-your-ev-chargers-with-digital-display-advertising) ### [May 23, 2024 4:12:14 PM Choosing the right commercial EV charger for your business](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides/choosing-the-right-commercial-ev-charger-for-your-business) ### [May 23, 2024 4:03:36 PM Upgrading EV chargers with payment terminals for contactless transactions](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides/upgrading-ev-chargers-with-payment-terminals-for-contactless-transactions) ![Devitech-SMCC-Group-Alt-Logo-RGB-Web-1500](https://devitech.co.uk/hubfs/Devitech-SMCC-Group-Alt-Logo-RGB-Web-1500.png) [Tel: 0333 123 5464](https://devitech.co.uk/blogs-and-guides/0333%201235464) | Email: hello@devitech.co.uk Abbeystone House, 36 Eastern Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7AB   - EV Project Solutions - [About Us](https://devitech.co.uk/about-us) - [Enquiry](https://devitech.co.uk/contact-us) - [Subscribe](https://devitech.co.uk/newsletter-subscribe) - Security - [Privacy Policy](https://devitech.co.uk/privacy-policy) - [Cookies Policy](https://devitech.co.uk/cookies-policy) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://devitech.co.uk/case-studies) - [Guides](https://devitech.co.uk/devitech-guides) © 2026 All rights reserved. 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