There are two types of ‘fuels’ that can be used in electric cars. They are called alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The power coming from the grid is always AC. However, batteries, like the ones in your EV, can only store power as direct current.
AC charging for electric vehicles When it comes to electric vehicles, an inverter is built into the car. It is called the ‘onboard charger’, although it is really an inverter. It converts electricity from alternating current to direct current and then stores it in the car’s battery.
DC charging for electric vehicles The difference between AC charging and DC charging is the location where the AC current is converted; inside or outside the car. Unlike AC chargers, a DC charger has the inverter inside the charger itself. This means it’s larger and provides power directly to the car’s battery and doesn’t need the built-in charger to convert it.