Convenience store operators who aren’t up to date on direct-current (DC) fast chargers will need to get up to speed, since more and more of their customers who drive electric vehicles (EVs) will be asking about it.
DC fast chargers convert alternate current (AC) power to DC power within the charging station. They then send DC power into the car’s battery, which explains the rapid charging. DC fast chargers provide 100 to 200-plus miles of range for 30 minutes of charging, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
How does fast charging differ from other types of charging, like levels one (standard household outlets) and two (public and home-installed charging stations)? The answer, unsurprisingly, is the ability to get drivers of electric vehicles fully charged and back on the road on less time. The more conventional levels one and two chargers could keep travelers sidelined for as long as several hours compared to the DC fast chargers.
At present, there are three types of DC fast charging systems, according to the DOE. They are:
- SAE Combined Charging System (CCS)
- CHAdeMO
- J3400
The make and model of the auto will determine which of these types of connectors will be acceptable.
As with any still-emerging technology, however, obstacles to more widespread adoption remain. For one thing, direct-current fast chargers only work with some EVs and are not yet ready for home use. In addition, DC fast charging stations are harder to find across American roads than other types of chargers.
Car owners could also be asked to pay more for the privilege of using them. Beyond this, their stronger voltage and amperage have been known to result in more wear on the battery. This may result over time in battery degradation and a shorter useful life and capacity of the battery.
Despite these reported shortcomings, the ever-growing popularity of EVs may make publicly accessible DC fast charging essential. And the c-store operators who understand what they are and how they work will better be able to serve and assist their customers.
