What you need to know: AC & DC Chargers

21 August 2025

What you need to know: Between AC vs DC EV Chargers

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular across Australia, many have asked about the difference between AC and DC EV chargers. Thus, understanding these differences will help you choose the best charger for your vehicle and lifestyle. Let's get down to the basics - so what is the difference?

Let's get down to the basics - so what is the difference?

Electricity from the grid is always alternating current (AC), but EV batteries store direct current (DC). The main difference between AC and DC chargers is where the AC-to-DC conversion takes place.

AC Charging

Most common for home and workplace charging, AC chargers supply power that is converted inside the vehicle by its onboard charger.

This process is slower, making AC charging ideal for overnight or extended parking times.

DC Charging

DC chargers convert AC to DC within the charging station itself, feeding power directly to the battery and enabling much faster charging.

These chargers are typically found at public fast-charging stations and highways, offering rapid top-ups for drivers on the go.

What This Means for Everyday EV Owners

For the majority of EV users, AC charging offers a cost-effective, simple, and battery-friendly way to charge at home or work. DC charging serves those who need fast, high-powered charging in public or fleet environments.

New On the Market: Introducing the Sungrow 22kW AC EV Charger

Sungrow’s new 22kW AC EV charger brings advanced features that make it a standout choice for Australian homes and businesses:

Smart Integration: Designed to work seamlessly with solar inverters and battery storage systems, it helps maximise the use of clean solar energy when charging your EV.

Robust and Stylish: With a sleek, compact design, IP65 weather resistance, and IK10 impact rating, it’s built to withstand tough conditions indoors or outdoors.

Flexible Power: Supports both single-phase and three-phase grid supplies, delivering up to 7kW per phase for efficient overnight charging.

Advanced Safety: Includes built-in DC fault current detection, overload protection, and ground fault monitoring to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Intelligent Energy Management: Paired with Sungrow’s iHomeManager and iSolarCloud app, users can select smart charging modes, from eco-friendly solar prioritisation to fast charging, optimising energy use and cost savings.

The Future is Smart and Sustainable

The Future of EV Charging is Smart and Sustainable, with EV adoption accelerating, chargers like Sungrow’s 22kW AC charger offers a powerful combination of convenience, efficiency and smart integration with other Sungrow products. Whether for home use or commercial fleets, it represents the next generation of EV charging technology.