Electric vehicles are becoming more common in many countries, including Indonesia. One of the most important things EV owners should understand is the EV charger. This device is essential for recharging the vehicle’s battery. To use an EV efficiently, it helps to know how chargers work, what types of power they use, and which connector types are compatible with your vehicle. This guide explains EV chargers in simple and practical terms.
What Is an EV Charger?
An EV charger works like a “fuel station” for electric cars. Instead of delivering gasoline, it supplies electrical power that charges the vehicle’s battery. The charger connects the power source from your home, workplace, or public charging station to your car’s battery system.
A typical EV charger includes three main components:
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The charger unit, which regulates the power flow and ensures safe charging.
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The charging cable, which carries electricity from the charger to the car.
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The connector or socket, which plugs into the car’s charging port.
Charging an EV is similar to charging a smartphone. The difference is that electric vehicles require far more power and more advanced technology to keep the charging process safe and stable.
Types of EV Chargers Based on Electrical Current
The most fundamental difference between charger types is the type of electrical current they use. There are two main categories: AC chargers and DC chargers.
1. AC EV Chargers (Alternating Current)
AC chargers use alternating current, which is the standard form of electricity supplied to homes and businesses by utility companies. When AC power enters the vehicle, it cannot go directly into the battery. Inside the car, there is a component called the On Board Charger (OBC). The OBC converts AC power into DC power because EV batteries can only store DC.
The charging speed of an AC charger depends heavily on the vehicle’s OBC capacity. A larger OBC allows faster charging.
Common uses of AC chargers:
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Home charging
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Offices
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Parking areas at hotels or shopping centers
Advantages:
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Installation cost is lower
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Simple maintenance
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Suitable for overnight charging
Disadvantages:
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Slower than DC charging
2. DC EV Chargers (Direct Current)
DC chargers deliver direct current straight to the vehicle’s battery. Unlike AC chargers, the conversion from AC to DC happens inside the charger itself. Since the charger bypasses the OBC, the charging process becomes much faster.
Common locations for DC chargers:
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Public charging stations (SPKLU)
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Rest areas and strategic fast-charging points
Advantages:
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Very fast charging
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Ideal for long-distance travel
Disadvantages:
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Installation and maintenance are expensive
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Frequent high-power charging may increase battery wear
EV Charger Types Based on Charging Speed
In addition to the type of current, EV chargers are also classified based on power capacity and charging time.
1. Slow Charging
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Power: below 7 kW (for example 3.7 kW)
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Current type: AC
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Charging time: 8 to 12 hours (0 to 100 percent)
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Ideal for: homes, apartments, overnight parking
Slow charging is the most economical option and is commonly used for daily charging at home.
2. Medium Charging
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Power: 7 to 22 kW
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Current type: AC
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Charging time: around 4 to 8 hours
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Ideal for: offices, hotels, malls
Medium chargers are widely available in public parking areas where vehicles stay for several hours.
3. Fast Charging
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Power: 50 kW
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Current type: DC
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Charging time: 30 to 60 minutes to reach 80 percent
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Ideal for: public charging stations along highways or major routes
Fast chargers are suitable for drivers who need a quick top-up during trips.
4. Ultra-Fast Charging
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Power: 150 kW to 350 kW
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Current type: DC
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Charging time: 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 to 30 minutes
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Ideal for: strategic fast-charging hubs on main travel routes
These chargers are designed for very high power delivery to minimize charging stops during long journeys.
Recognizing EV Chargers by Connector Type and Power
Each charger type uses a specific connector. Understanding connector differences helps ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
1. Slow Charging (Low Power AC)
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Connector: Type 1 (SAE J1772) or standard household outlet
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Power: around 3.7 kW
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Characteristics: often included as a portable charger with the vehicle; common in older EV models
2. Medium Charging (AC Mid Power)
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Connector: Type 2
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Power: 7 to 22 kW
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Characteristics: has 7 pins and is the most widely used AC connector in Indonesia and many other countries
3. Fast Charging (High Power DC)
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Connectors: CHAdeMO and CCS1
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Power: around 50 kW
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Characteristics: larger connectors with extra pins for high-speed DC charging
4. Ultra-Fast Charging (Very High Power DC)
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Connector: CCS2
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Power: 150 to 350 kW
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Characteristics: combines a Type 2 AC port with two large DC pins; used by many modern EVs such as Hyundai, Kia, BMW, and Volkswagen
Understanding the differences in electrical current, power levels, and connector types helps you choose the right EV charger and ensures safe charging for your vehicle. For daily use, home AC charging is the most practical and battery-friendly choice. DC chargers are essential for fast charging during long trips.
Always check your vehicle manual to confirm the supported connector type and charging capacity. This ensures you use the correct charger and helps extend the life of your EV battery.
You can find EV chargers from trusted brands such as Schneider, ABB, and B&D that match your needs at Listrik Kita.
