DC Fast Charging 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Super-Fast EV Charging

You must have heard terms like “Level 2 Charging”, “home charging”, “DC Fast Charging”, especially if you are new to electric vehicles.

The last one might sound a bit intimidating, but it is pretty simple.

DC Fast Charging, often called DCFC, is the express lane of electric car charging. Simply put, it is the fastest way to get your car charged… in as little as just 20 minutes.

DC fast charging is easy to find, thanks to the ever-increasing number of public charging stations along highways and commercial areas. Whether you drive a Tesla or another EV brand, understanding how this technology works will make your life on the road a lot easier.

What is DC Fast Charging?

It is a fast, high-powered way of recharging your EV battery.

When you use a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, the car gets an AC (alternating current) from its own onboard charger, then converts that power to DC (direct current), which is what can be used to recharge the battery. That conversion process takes time.

Instead, DC Fast Charging bypasses that level and transfers DC power directly into your battery. This direct delivery means that the charge can be provided at much faster speeds. Think of your home charger as the garden hose filling a pool, compared to DC fast charging acting as a full bore with the fire hose. Same water, much faster flow.

How DC Fast Charging Works

Most Level 2 EV chargers deliver between 7kW and 11 kW of power. DC fast chargers, on the other hand, are more efficient. They start at around 50 kW and can hit up to 350 kW. This higher power output lets them add 100 to 200 miles of range in just 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the electric vehicle.

Why DC Fast Charging Matters

EVs have become a practical option for everyone, thanks to fast charging. With a home charger, you might require DCFC on long trips.

However, for people residing in apartments or condos without charger access, public fast chargers are a necessity. With a fully charged vehicle and access to DCFC stations nearby, your road trip becomes stress-free.

Instead of planning overnight stops, you can take short breaks every few hundred miles. This reduces “range anxiety,” the fear of running out of battery before finding a charger.

In Colorado, having more DCFC stations is critical for connecting cities and rural areas. And with more Tesla-certified electricians and installers building this infrastructure, access is improving every year.

DC Fast Charging Plugs

Not all DC fast charging is done with the same type of plug, and not every EV uses them. The three most common are:

Combined Charging System (CCS):

The North American standard plug for charge ports on most non-Tesla EVs.

CHAdeMO:

(Nissan Leaf, etc.) Now less common, but still available at a lot of stations.

Tesla Supercharger:

Tesla’s proprietary connector, though many new Superchargers also support CCS for other brands.

Before heading to a station, check which connector your EV uses. Most charging apps let you filter stations based on plug type so you don’t waste time.

Discovering DC Quick Charging In Colorado

Colorado leads in electric vehicle investments. DCFC stations are often located:

·         I-25, I-70, and US 285 are major highways

·        Shopping malls and supermarkets are nearby

·         In downtown parking garages

·         At some workplaces and hotels

Using a DC Fast Charger

The process is straightforward:

·         Park at a compatible charger.

·         Plug the cable into your EV.

·         Start the charging session (usually through the charging station display or app).

·         Wait while your battery charges—most EVs charge fastest between 10% and 80%.

·         Disconnect, return the cable, and you are all set to continue.

In Colorado, there is the Tesla Supercharger network for road trips.

The Cost of DC Fast Charging

There is no set cost of charging. Maybe you are charged by the minute by some networks or providers. Or some charge by the kWh (kilowatt-hour). However, one thing is for sure, that DC Fast charging is expensive than home charging. After all, you are paying for speed and convenience. To save a bit on your DC charging, you can opt for a membership plan with your preferred charging network, which gives discounts.

Will a DC Fast Charger Damage My Battery?

Using EV batteries won't damage your battery.

There are battery management silos that ensure that batteries are charged slowly. It maintains the health of the battery. Having said that, the daily use of DCFC may lead to battery degradation over the years.

Home charging at Level 2 should be sufficient for daily driving. Use DC fast charging when it comes to road trips, or simply when you need to top up quickly.

The Importance of Certified Electricians with DCFC Installation

The installation of DC fast charging equipment requires trained, skilled personnel. High-voltage systems must be installed according to electrical codes in order to maintain safety. For example, Tesla’s superfast chargers, Superchargers, are installed by a Tesla-certified electrician.

The fastest DC fast charging stations in Colorado will need not only high-speed capability but also speed, reliability, and future-proofing.

DC Fast Charging in the Future

EV charging technology is evolving. New high-speed chargers are designed to deliver 350 kW or more. Maybe we can see a vehicle getting fully charged for 300 miles within 15 minutes.

Bottom Line

DC fast charging is the highest charging speed available, charging a battery from a very low level up to 80% in as little as an hour or two.

Unlike slower Level 2 chargers relying on the car's onboard converter, DCFC stations handle the conversion from AC to DC power themselves. It leads to higher power outputs. They can add 100-200 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes, making it ideal for long road trips or drivers lacking access to home charging.

If you are looking to install a DC fast charging station in your premises, make sure to get it done by a professional and certified installer.