As the electric vehicle (EV) market in India and globally accelerates, setting up the right EV charging infrastructure is key for business success. One of the first and most important decisions is choosing between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) chargers. Each has unique advantages, costs, and use cases.

What’s the Difference?

When to Choose AC Chargers

AC chargers are ideal for:

• Residential societies: Slow charging overnight is sufficient
• Offices and workplaces: Employees can charge during work hours
• Retail & hospitality: Adds value for customers who park for longer durations
• Cost-conscious projects: Lower upfront and operating costs

Pros:

• Cheaper hardware & installation
• Easier DISCOM approval (lower sanctioned load)
• Works with most EVs using onboard converters

Cons:

• Slow charging not suitable for high-turnover businesses
• Dependent on the vehicle’s onboard charger capacity

When to Choose DC Chargers

DC chargers are better suited for:

• Highway charging stations: Quick turnarounds needed
• Fleet operators: Taxis, buses, delivery EVs with tight schedules
• Commercial EV charging hubs: Maximize throughput & revenue
• Future-ready infrastructure: Supporting faster EVs of tomorrow

Pros:

• Fast charging = higher customer turnover
• Can charge larger EVs (buses, trucks)
• Not limited by vehicle’s onboard AC charger

Cons:

• Expensive (₹8–30 lakhs+ per unit)
• Requires higher sanctioned load and space
• More complex to maintain and install

Business Considerations Before You Decide

1. Target Customer: Residential users vs. fleet vs. travelers
2. Budget: AC chargers cost ~₹50K–₹2L, DC can go ₹8L+
3. Charging Time Needed: Hours vs. minutes
4. Available Power Supply: Sanctioned load & upgrade feasibility
5. Scalability: Future plans for fleet or public access charging