As electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure evolves, CPOs are exploring various options to meet diverse user needs. AC&DC Combo EV charging stations, which combine alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging in a single unit, may seem like an innovative solution. However, these charging stations often introduce significant challenges, making them less suitable for CPOs. Below, we listed the challenges of AC&DC combo charging stations for commercial charging operators and outlined why standalone AC or DC stations are a better choice.
Ambiguous Market Positioning and Higher Costs
Elevated Equipment Costs: Integrating AC and DC charging functionalities into a single unit substantially increases hardware complexity, leading to higher deployment and maintenance costs than standalone AC or DC chargers. This additional expense can strain budgets, particularly for operators managing large networks.
Overlapping Use Cases: AC&DC Combo charging stations attempt to address both long-term parking scenarios (ideal for AC charging) and high-turnover, short-duration charging scenarios (best suited for DC fast charging). This dual focus often fails to meet the specific needs of either use case effectively, diminishing the station’s value.
Suboptimal User Experience
Conflicting User Needs: Commercial charging environments prioritize fast charging to ensure time efficiency for users. AC&DC Combo, by accommodating AC and DC users simultaneously, can result in prolonged wait times for fast-charging users – a critical drawback in busy locations.
Limited Charging Ports: Each mixed station typically provides fewer charging ports than standalone AC or DC chargers, compromising station accessibility and overall user satisfaction. This limitation can lead to bottlenecks, especially during peak usage.
Operational and Maintenance Challenges
Increased Complexity: The integration of AC and DC systems introduces significant technical complexities. Maintenance teams must manage two distinct systems within a single station, increasing the likelihood of operational issues and downtime.
Compatibility Risks: Mixed stations heighten the risk of compatibility challenges with specific EV models, particularly as vehicle technologies evolve. Ensuring seamless operation across a diverse fleet of EVs adds further strain to operational processes.
Inefficient Resource Utilization
Power Distribution Constraints: Utilizing the DC fast charging port often reduces the AC port’s efficiency, and vice versa. This power distribution conflict limits the charging station’s overall effectiveness, creating inefficiencies that impact both operators and users.
Reduced ROI: Considering their elevated costs and risk of underutilization, AC&DC Combo charging stations often fail to deliver a favorable return on investment (ROI). Operators are better served by deploying purpose-built AC or DC stations tailored to specific use cases.
Reliability, user satisfaction, and financial performance are paramount for commercial charging operators. AC&DC Combo EV charging stations, while versatile on paper, present operational challenges that outweigh their benefits. Standalone AC or DC EV chargers, designed for distinct use cases, are more cost-effective and enhance user satisfaction while optimizing overall financial performance. By focusing on specialized solutions, iocharger will help operators ensure a seamless and efficient charging experience for their customers.