ACLadesäulen

ACLadesäulen, written here as AC-Ladesäulen, are charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) that supply alternating current (AC) to the vehicle via its onboard charger. They differ from DC fast charging, which delivers direct current to the battery; AC charging uses the vehicle’s own charger and typically results in slower charging.

Power levels for AC charging vary. Public AC-Ladesäulen commonly provide 3.7, 7.4, 11, or 22 kilowatts, with three-phase installations enabling up to 22 kW per port. Home wall boxes often deliver 3.7–7.4 kW. In Europe, the standard connector for AC charging is Type 2 (Mennekes), while other regions may use different connectors such as Type 1.

AC charging stations are usually governed by standards such as IEC 61851 and communicate with charging management systems using protocols like OCPP. User identification and billing may be handled via RFID, mobile apps, or vehicle credentials. Safety features include residual current devices (RCDs), earth fault protection, and automatic disconnection when charging is complete.

Deployment contexts include municipal charging networks, workplaces, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods. Advantages of AC-Ladesäulen include lower upfront costs and broad compatibility with existing onboard chargers, while limitations involve longer charging times compared with DC fast charging. Looking forward, AC charging may integrate with smart-grid initiatives and demand-response programs, and some configurations may support bidirectional charging when both vehicle and station infrastructure enable it.