Charging power (AC/DC)
The power in kW at which an EV can charge alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
Charging power is the speed at which an electric car takes in energy, in kilowatts. It splits into two kinds. AC is alternating current via the onboard charger, at home or at a charge point, typically 7.4 to 11 kW and on some models 22 kW. DC is direct current via a fast charger, where the car feeds the battery directly; peak values run from about 50 kW to over 250 kW.
AC speed is limited by the onboard charger in the car, not by the post: an 11 kW charger does not charge faster at a 22 kW post. DC speed is a peak the car reaches only in a favourable charging window, usually at a low state of charge and at temperature; the average over a charging session is lower than the peak.
On the spec sheets we show the AC and DC statements separately, as a factory value. A high DC peak says little without the charging curve; that is why the 10-80% charging time is often more informative than the peak figure alone.
See also: 10-80% charging time, Range, Charging curve, Bidirectional charging (V2L, V2H, V2G), SOC & SOH
Source: OEM manufacturer statement; peak value, depends on conditions
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