AC vs DC EV Charger — Which Should You Choose?

"Should I buy an AC or DC EV charger?" — It's the most fundamental decision when buying a charger, and the wrong choice can cost you lakhs. Here's a clear, jargon-free comparison.

How AC and DC Chargers Work

An AC charger sends alternating current to your car's onboard converter, which converts it to DC. A DC fast charger has its own high-power converter and feeds direct current straight to the battery. That's why DC is faster — it's doing the heavy lifting externally.

Speed Comparison

A 7.4 kW AC charger charges a Tata Nexon EV (30.2 kWh) in about 4–5 hours. A 60 kW DC charger: 10–80% in about 25 minutes. A 120 kW DC charger: 15–20 minutes. Speed comes at a cost — literally.

Cost Comparison

7.4 kW AC wall-box: ₹25,000–₹35,000 installed. 22 kW AC charger: ₹70,000–₹1,00,000. 30 kW DC charger: ₹5–₹8 lakhs. 60 kW DC charger: ₹8–₹12 lakhs. 120 kW DC charger: ₹18–₹25 lakhs. DC chargers cost 20–50x more than basic AC chargers.

When to Choose AC

Home charging (overnight, no rush). Office/workplace charging (parked 8+ hours). Shopping malls (parked 2–3 hours). Residential complexes. If vehicles are parked for 2+ hours, AC is the cost-effective choice.

When to Choose DC

Highway corridors (drivers want 20-minute stops). Commercial charging stations (revenue per hour matters). Fleet depots with tight turnarounds. High-traffic urban locations. If you need to serve many vehicles quickly, DC is essential.

The Hybrid Approach (Our Recommendation)

Combine 1–2 DC fast chargers for quick-stop drivers with 2–4 AC chargers for longer-stay visitors. This maximizes revenue while keeping investment manageable. It's the model used in our Premium Hub franchise tier.

Battery Health Consideration

DC fast charging generates more heat and can degrade battery health faster if used exclusively. For daily home use, AC charging is gentler. Most manufacturers recommend DC for no more than 20–30% of total charging sessions.