DC vs AC Charging: What's the Difference?
The Core Difference: Current Type
AC (Alternating Current) charging delivers grid electricity directly to the vehicle, and the car's onboard charger charges the battery. DC (Direct Current) charging converts electricity on the station side and delivers it straight to the battery. That's why DC is much faster — it isn't limited by the onboard charger's capacity.
Charging Time Comparison
An EV with a 60kWh battery fully charges in about 3 hours on a 22kW AC charger. The same car reaches 80% in 50 minutes on a 60kW DC charger. On a 120kW DC it drops to 25 minutes. AC is ideal for overnight use, while DC is built for fast roadside top-ups.
Cost Comparison
AC chargers are far more affordable in both device and installation cost. A 22kW AC station costs 50,000-100,000 TL while a 60kW DC station costs 400,000-800,000 TL. However, DC stations enable higher per-kWh pricing and more customer cycles.
Use Cases
AC charging: Homes, complexes, offices, hotels, parking — places where vehicles are parked for long periods. DC charging: Fuel stations, roadside, malls, rest stops — places that need fast charging. Both connect to the ADZE Charge management platform via OCPP.
Socket Standards
AC chargers use the Type 2 socket. It's the European standard and is compatible with all EVs in Türkiye. DC chargers use the CCS2 (Combined Charging System) socket. CCS2 adds DC pins on top of the Type 2 socket, supporting both AC and DC charging.
Which Type Is Right for You?
If your vehicle parks for long periods overnight at home or during the day at work, AC is enough and economical. If you travel between cities or want to offer fast charging at your business, choose DC. Many businesses use a hybrid model: AC in parking + DC at the entrance.
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Does AC charging harm your car?
No. AC charging is controlled by the car's onboard system and does not harm the battery. Overnight charging is the best method for battery life.
Can DC charging be done on any car?
DC charging works on any EV with a CCS2 inlet. Almost all EVs produced after 2020 include CCS2 as standard.
Do AC and DC charging cost differently?
Yes. At ADZE Charge, AC is 9.40 TL/kWh, DC is 12.40 TL/kWh, and Ultra DC is 13.40 TL/kWh.
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