This guide explains the difference between AC and DC EV charging, covering how each technology works, connector types (Type 2, CCS2, CHAdeMO), and how power levels affect site design from 3.3 kW home chargers to 30 kW+ DC fast chargers. It provides decision frameworks for home, apartment, office, destination, public highway and fleet depot installations, with specific product references…
This is a practical guide for anyone planning or evaluating electric vehicle charging installations in India. It compares AC and DC charging technologies and helps readers understand which approach suits different use cases such as homes, apartments, offices, hotels, malls, public highways and fleet depots.
The guide explains how AC charging works through the vehicle's onboard converter and is best for locations where vehicles park for hours. It lists specific AC charger models: Spider Mini and Lite at 3.3 kW, Smart at 7.4 kW, Blaze at 22 kW, Strike at 40 kW and Dash at 80 kW.
DC fast charging bypasses the onboard converter for higher power at public sites and corridors. The guide covers connector types including Type 2, CCS2, CHAdeMO and IS 17017-2-6 for light electric vehicles. It warns that advertised cabinet power does not guarantee constant charging speed due to vehicle limits, battery state of charge, temperature and site capacity.
Site design considerations are covered by power level: 3.3-7.4 kW home chargers may fit existing residential connections, 22 kW workplace bays need diversity planning, and 30 kW+ DC chargers require dedicated three-phase review and transformer assessment. The guide advises selecting site architecture before choosing charger power.
Decision frameworks are provided for home and apartment installations based on daily energy needs, parking allocation and building supply. Office and destination decisions consider visitor turnover and load management. Public, highway and fleet decisions require demand estimates based on vehicle types and arrival patterns, with Spider Fast at 30 kW, Ultra, Surge and Hulk for higher-power roles, and Spider Base for light EVs.
The guide addresses the difference between peak cabinet rating and actual session average, noting that DC charging power varies with battery state of charge and temperature while AC charging is steadier. It compares the trade-off between one high-power DC gun versus several lower-power AC or DC connectors based on traffic patterns, parking turnover and electrical capacity.