EV charging fundamentals
AC versus DC charging
Most home charging is AC, while highway fast chargers are usually DC. Understanding the difference helps you pick a charger that suits your daily routine and travel needs.
What AC charging means at home
Your home power supply is AC (alternating current). With AC charging, the car's onboard charger converts AC into DC to store energy in the battery. This process is efficient for overnight or scheduled charging and is typically the most practical option for daily use.
Example: if you drive 40-60 km most weekdays, an overnight AC session can usually restore that energy comfortably without needing public fast charging.
Where DC charging fits in
DC fast chargers convert power before it reaches your vehicle, sending DC directly to the battery. That allows much higher charging speeds, which is useful for road trips or tight schedules. The trade-off is cost, availability, and less control over charging timing.
Example: during a highway trip, a 20-30 minute DC stop can add meaningful range so you can keep moving, instead of planning around a full AC session.
How to decide what you need
- Prioritise AC charging at home for regular, lower-cost charging sessions.
- Use DC charging as a travel or convenience tool, not your everyday baseline.
- Match your home charger power to your vehicle, driving habits, and electrical capacity.
Example: households with off-street parking and predictable commuting generally save more by optimising AC charging and only using DC when travel days demand it.
Next step: compare options in our home charger checklist.