Debunking the myth: Ford Ranger PHEV demonstrates that DC fast charging may not be essential. Instead, AC charging offers a more reasonable approach based on the figures.
In the rapidly evolving world of electric mobility, the debate over charging solutions continues to rage. This article takes a closer look at DC fast charging in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), focusing on some of the most notable models currently available.
When it comes to DC fast charging capabilities, the IM5 and IM6 stand out, capable of accepting up to 392kW of DC charge. This is significantly higher than some popular EVs and PHEVs, such as Porsches, Audis, Hyundais, and Kias, which can take 320kW and 240kW respectively.
On the other hand, PHEVs like the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha can accept up to 55kW and 50kW of DC charge power respectively. Charging these vehicles to 100% provides around 80km of range, taking an additional 20 minutes or so for the Shark 6 and 26 minutes for the Cannon Alpha.
One of the biggest benefits of owning a PHEV is the ability to charge at home on cheap electricity, particularly when plugged in overnight every night. This strategy is the best way to exploit home charging for a PHEV.
However, during long runs away from home, PHEV owners may need to consider petrol or DC charging. In such cases, having a DC charge port, as in the Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha PHEV, is advantageous for fast charging during a road trip.
Compared to AC charging, DC charging is quicker because it does not have to go through an inverter to switch from AC to DC power. For instance, charging the BYD Shark 6's 29.58kWh battery to get 80km of range costs approximately $20, while charging the GWM Cannon Alpha's larger 37.1kWh battery costs around $25.
It's worth noting that the fastest AC chargers are 22kW, and most cars are limited to half of that or less due to their onboard charger's limitations.
The latest version of the Ford Ranger PHEV supports 800V DC fast charging, similar to vehicles like the Mercedes EQE, Porsche Taycan, and Audi e-tron GT, which also accept 800V charging and can charge faster than the Ranger PHEV. However, the Ford Ranger PHEV does not support DC fast charging at 800V, with a maximum of 175kW when charging at 400V.
DC fast charging is not necessarily a desirable feature in PHEVs due to the limited range and longer charging times compared to EVs that accept higher DC charge power. Nevertheless, cheaper DC fast chargers and occasional deals make it beneficial to fast charge during a road trip.
For example, Ampol is currently running half price charging on Tuesdays this August, making it an ideal time for PHEV owners to top up their vehicles during a road trip.
In conclusion, while DC fast charging offers a convenient solution for long-distance travel, PHEV owners can significantly reduce their fuel costs by charging at home overnight every night. The choice between DC fast charging and home charging ultimately depends on the vehicle model, the owner's driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure.
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