When it comes to charging your electric vehicle, you have three primary options. Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120-volt outlet, adds around 3.5 to 6.5 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2, which uses a 240-volt outlet and can be found at public charging stations or professionally installed at home, adds about 14 to 35 miles of range per charging hour. Your third option—and by far the fastest—is DC Fast Charging. But what is DC Fast Charging, exactly? INFINITI of Downtown LA breaks it all down for you below so you can keep your EV adequately charged for the roads of Glendale, Downey, and beyond.
How Fast is DC Fast Charging?
Before we get into the speeds offered by this charging method, let’s do a deep dive into the question: What is DC Fast Charging? EV batteries can only be charged by direct current (DC). Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use alternating current (AC), which is converted into direct current (DC) by your vehicle. Since Level 3/DC Fast Charging already takes DC power and no conversion is necessary, charging times are significantly faster.
DC Fast Chargers require more power—480 volts or more—than Level 1 or Level 2. Because of this, DC Fast Chargers are almost always found exclusively at public charging stations that have the necessary infrastructure to support their energy needs.
Now, how fast is DC Fast Charging? Based on your battery type, DC Fast Charger system, and circuit capacity, this option can add up to 10 miles of range per minute of charging time. It not only saves you a substantial amount of time, but with more and more DC Fast Chargers popping up in the Van Nuys area and around the region, it’s also a convenient solution.
Is DC Fast Charging Bad for Your Battery?
In recent years, there’s been some concern that DC Fast Chargers can be hard on your EV battery. But is DC Fast Charging actually bad for your battery? The main concern stems from thermal issues. Repeated use of DC Fast Chargers may cause your battery to deteriorate faster due to the heat generated by the charging process. With that said, many EV automakers use state-of-the-art thermal management systems to combat this. And keep in mind that evidence for the potentially damaging effects of DC Fast Charging is mostly inconclusive at this point. For best results, don’t rely on DC Fast Charging alone; instead, vary the types of charging systems you utilize.
Contact INFINITI of Downtown LA for More About DC Fast Chargers
We’ve answered some crucial questions here: What is DC Fast Charging? How fast is DC Fast Charging? Is DC Fast Charging bad for your battery? If you have any other questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact us in Los Angeles today. In the meantime, explore the benefits of EVs and learn more about the INFINITI brand’s electrified future. By understanding all your charging options, you’re sure to optimize your EV ownership experience.
