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# EV Fast Charging Explained: AC, DC and kW in 5 Minutes
- URL: https://pressrex.com/ev-fast-charging-explained-ac-dc-kw/
- Published: 2026-11-09T16:39:37.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-10T15:38:36.000Z
- Description: Why does your car not always charge at the speed shown on the station? The basics of AC, DC, kW and kWh.
- Author: adil
- Tags: Charging, #demo

Motorway chargers advertise impressive power figures, yet charging is not always as quick as expected. Here is why.

## AC and DC charging

A battery stores direct current. With **AC** charging, the car’s onboard charger does the conversion, so the speed depends on the car. With **DC** charging, the station converts the power itself, which allows much higher speeds.

## kW and kWh: stop mixing them up

**kWh** measures energy (the size of the “tank”). **kW** measures power (the flow of the “pump”). A 60 kWh battery charged at 60 kW would, in theory, take one hour to go from 0 to 100%.

## Why power drops near the end

To protect the cells, the car reduces charging power as the battery fills. That is why charging from 10 to 80% is the fastest part: beyond that, every percent takes longer.

- Arrive at the charger with a low battery.
- Precondition the battery if your car allows it.
- Leave at 80% instead of waiting for 100%.

**Read next:** [LFP vs NMC Batteries: What Is the Difference for Your EV?](https://pressrex.com/lfp-vs-nmc-batteries/)