What is the difference between fast charging and slow charging for charging piles?
2 Answers
Fast charging and slow charging are relative concepts. Generally, fast charging refers to high-power DC charging, which can charge a battery to 80% of its capacity in half an hour. Slow charging refers to AC charging, which takes 6 to 8 hours to complete the charging process. The speed of electric vehicle charging is closely related to the power of the charger, the battery's charging characteristics, and temperature. More information about car charging batteries is as follows: 1. With current battery technology, even fast charging takes 30 minutes to charge the battery to 80% of its capacity. Beyond 80%, to protect battery safety, the charging current must be reduced, making the time to reach 100% longer. 2. In winter when temperatures are lower, the battery requires a smaller charging current, which makes the charging time even longer.
I've been commuting by car for five years and have tried fast charging and slow charging countless times. Fast charging is like giving the car an adrenaline shot—it can charge from 30% to 80% in just half an hour, making it perfect for quick top-ups at highway service stations. However, this DC charging method works by essentially pumping electricity directly into the battery, and frequent use can accelerate battery degradation. Slow charging, on the other hand, uses AC power and takes all night to fully charge at home. The current is gentle like a small stream, which is excellent for battery maintenance. For example, the 7kW slow charging station installed in my residential area takes about 8 hours for a full charge, but the monthly electricity cost is less than one-third of what I used to spend on fuel. My recommendation is to primarily use slow charging for daily driving and reserve fast charging for emergencies. This approach saves both your battery and your wallet.
