DCFC
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | DC fast charging |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Transportation & Travel |
DCFC has two meanings. It stands for DC fast charging (energy) or Direct current fast charging (automotive).
Meanings of DCFC at a glance
| # | DCFC stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DC fast charging | Science & Engineering › Energy |
| 2 | Direct current fast charging | Transportation & Travel › Automotive |
1. DC fast charging
Science & Engineering · Energy Abbreviations
High-power charging that supplies direct current straight to an EV's battery, bypassing the car's onboard charger. DC fast chargers deliver typically 50 to 350 kilowatts and can take many EVs from about 10% to 80% charge in 20 to 40 minutes.
Example: The highway rest stop has eight DCFC stalls rated at up to 350 kW.
Charging speed tapers as the battery fills to protect it, which is why fast-charge times are usually quoted to 80%. Frequent fast charging, especially in heat, can modestly accelerate battery wear. The main connector standards are CCS, NACS, CHAdeMO and China's GB/T. Also called Level 3 charging informally.
2. Direct current fast charging
Transportation & Travel · Automotive Abbreviations
Public EV charging that supplies DC power directly to the battery, bypassing the car's onboard charger, at typically 50 to 350 kilowatts. DCFC can add 150 to 200 miles of range in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the car.
Example: Plan a DCFC stop every 200 miles on the road trip; the app shows which ones have working plugs.
Often called Level 3 charging in the US, though that is not an official SAE level. Connector standards include CCS, NACS (Tesla) and CHAdeMO. Charging slows as the battery fills, and cold batteries charge more slowly unless preconditioned. Federal NEVI funding has paid for fast chargers along US interstates.
Related abbreviations
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- CF – Capacity factor
- CHP – Combined heat and power
- CNG – Compressed natural gas
- CSP – Concentrated solar power
- DER – Distributed energy resource
- DoD – Depth of discharge
- DR – Demand response
- E10 – Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol
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