AC Charging Pile

AC Charging Pile (AC Charging Stations) are a type of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, mainly used to provide slow-speed charging for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). AC Charging Stations work by charging the battery of an electric vehicle with alternating current (AC) from the power grid, in which the vehicle's On-Board Charger (OBC) is responsible for converting the incoming AC power into the DC power required by the battery.

AC EV charging pile

Features of AC charging pile：

l Charging speed: Compared to DC fast charging piles, AC charging piles are slower, but have less impact on the grid, making them suitable for long periods of stop-and-go charging, such as charging at home at night or at the office during the day.

l Power range: AC charging stations generally range from 3kW to 22kW, depending on the model and specifications of the charging station. Domestic chargers tend to be 3kW to 7kW, while commercial premises may use higher power chargers.

l Connection standards: AC charging posts use specific connector standards such as Type 1 (North America and Japan), Type 2 (Europe), GB/T (China), etc. to ensure compatibility with the charging interface of electric vehicles.

l Installation location: AC charging piles can be installed in a variety of locations including private residential garages, public car parks, office buildings, hotels, shopping malls, etc.

l Cost-effectiveness: Due to their relatively low power, AC charging piles typically cost less than DC fast chargers and are more economical in terms of electricity rates, especially for charging during off-peak hours.

l Intelligent management: Modern AC charging piles are often equipped with intelligent features, such as charging reservation via mobile apps, real-time monitoring of charging status, remote control, etc.

l Safety: AC charging piles are designed with a variety of safety measures, such as overload protection, short-circuit protection, and leakage protection, to ensure the safety of users and vehicles.

l Energy efficiency: The charging efficiency of AC charging piles is usually higher because most of the energy loss occurs in the conversion process of the on-board charger, which is done inside the vehicle.

Factors to consider when choosing an AC charging post include charging speed, compatibility, electrical capacity of the installation location, cost and availability of smart features. For most daily driving needs, AC charging posts are a practical and economical option. If you are planning to purchase or install an AC charging post, it is recommended that you consult a professional electrical engineer or charging post supplier to ensure proper installation and configuration.