What is the difference between fast charging and slow charging for electric cars?
2 Answers
Here are the differences between fast charging and slow charging for electric cars: 1. Charging time: Fast charging can reach 80% in half an hour, while slow charging takes 6~8 hours to fully charge. 2. Impact on the battery: Fast charging may cause some damage to the battery, whereas slow charging is better for battery longevity. 3. Charging mode: Fast charging directly connects to the car battery without going through the onboard charger conversion, while slow charging requires conversion via the charger. 4. Difference between electric cars and conventional cars: Compared to fuel-powered cars, pure electric vehicles mainly differ in four major components: the drive motor, speed controller, power battery, and onboard charger.
As a regular long-term electric vehicle user, I often face charging choices. Fast charging and slow charging mainly differ in speed and daily usage. Fast charging uses DC facilities, like large charging stations, with astonishingly high power. Last time I tried a super-fast charger, it went from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes, saving me during an urgent outing. However, it has a drawback: each session costs significantly more, and public stations may involve waiting in line. In contrast, slow charging uses a home AC socket or wall-mounted charging box with lower power. Plugging in for 6 to 8 hours overnight fully charges the battery, offering convenience, cost savings, and reduced battery aging stress. I recommend using slow charging most of the time as it’s more energy-efficient and stable; reserve fast charging for long trips or emergencies to balance efficiency and vehicle maintenance. Of course, with shared slow-charging spots now widely available in cities, charging at shopping centers while running errands is quite convenient too.