Charge Ready Transport Program
Infrastructure Options
Get more in-depth information about how to electrify your fleet.
Charger Power:
The Difference Between AC and DC Charging
In addition to the interface types of plug-in and overhead, charging systems are also divided into AC and DC charging. The type of interface you choose will typically determine which type of charging power you will use.
AC Charging
AC charging passes the voltage from the interface to the vehicle, and the EV’s electronics convert it from AC power to DC power in order to charge the battery. The power levels for this charging are typically limited to 20 kilowatts or less due to the constraints on the electronics. There are some exceptions, though, for large transit buses and other off-road equipment with more space for bigger electronics.
AC chargers are less expensive than DC chargers for the same power level and are supplied by circuits commonly available in most commercial facilities. Where AC charging is sufficient for your fleet’s needs, it is generally the most cost-effective option.
DC Fast Chargers
DC fast chargers are able to charge faster than AC chargers. You can choose from a range of sizes and power capacities from 24 kW to over 350 kW. These chargers are most often offered as wall boxes, standalone units, or modular systems. Modular systems use one or more power cabinets to supply one or more dispensers and can split power among multiple dispensers. By choosing charging power levels below 150 kW, you will have more charging options, reduce your equipment costs, and have greater flexibility in choosing cable lengths.
View our Approved Product List (APL) to find out which charging equipment qualifies for the Charge Ready Transport Program.
Network and Cloud-based Services
Networking services give you the opportunity to collect more activity data from your EV charging system than what is reported on your monthly utility bill. These services allow you to monitor charging activity and detect failures in real-time. You also have the option to add functionality like payment collection and user interfaces with a cloud-based communications service.
Most EV charging system vendors offer these services for an upfront cost plus a monthly fee. If you are using grant funds for your EV charging system, you may want to find out whether the grant’s reporting requirements include data from a cloud-based communications platform. Your EV manufacturer may also offer charging management systems on board their vehicles, which may produce sufficient information for some fleets. Keep in mind that to participate in SCE’s Charge Ready Transport Program, you are required to provide SCE with Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) usage data for a minimum of five years.
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