Electrifying a fleet means making critical infrastructure choices. Among the most important is deciding whether to invest in AC chargers or DC fast chargers. Both technologies have a role to play in fleet depots, but the right balance depends on your operational needs, schedules, and long-term energy strategy.
At Bia, we help fleet operators design charging strategies that make the most of both technologies, supported by advanced EV charging management software and smart charging for electric vehicles.
Alternating Current (AC) charging is the most common form of charging for electric vehicles. Power from the grid is supplied in AC form, and the vehicle’s onboard charger converts it into DC to charge the battery.
Advantages of AC chargers for fleets:
Limitations:
Direct Current (DC) charging, often called “fast charging,” bypasses the onboard charger and delivers DC power directly to the battery. This makes it significantly faster, but also more demanding on infrastructure.
Advantages of DC chargers for fleets:
Limitations:
For fleet managers, the choice between AC charging and DC charging comes down to cost, speed, and operational fit.
AC charging is typically the more affordable option, both in hardware and installation. Charging times range from 6 to 8 hours, which makes AC the ideal choice for overnight depot charging or vehicles with long idle periods (like some of the trucks we work with at Bia). It integrates more easily into existing grid infrastructure and requires less reinforcement, helping keep total costs of ownership down.
DC charging, on the other hand, offers much faster speeds — typically 30 minutes to 4-5 hours. This makes it the preferred solution for fleets that need midday boosts, high utilization, or quick turnaround times. However, DC chargers are more expensive and place higher loads on the grid, which often requires careful dynamic load management or smart charging strategies to avoid costly peak demand.
In practice, most fleets end up with a hybrid approach: AC chargers to cover predictable overnight charging, and DC chargers to handle exceptions, emergencies, or high-duty cycles. The right balance depends on the fleet’s daily schedules, energy costs, and infrastructure strategy.
No matter which chargers you deploy, smart charging solutions are critical for keeping energy costs and operations under control.
With the right charge management software or CSMS (Charging Station Management System), fleet operators can:
For example, a fleet may run mostly AC chargers for overnight charging but use EV smart charging algorithms to stagger loads and reduce peak demand. Meanwhile, DC chargers can be prioritized for vehicles with urgent needs, ensuring operational readiness without skyrocketing energy bills.
At Bia, we specialize in making AC and DC charging work together seamlessly through advanced EV charging management software.
Two ways we support fleet customers:
Either way, fleet managers get clarity, control, and confidence in their charging strategy.
Do I need both AC and DC chargers?
It really depends on your fleet needs and power constraints on site. Bus depots typically run on DC chargers and smaller fleets (like logistics, or waste management) can start by charging only in AC ports. In most depots, yes. AC for overnight charging, DC for rapid boosts or high-duty vehicles.
Which is more cost-effective for fleets?
AC chargers are cheaper to install, but DC chargers unlock higher vehicle utilization, and therefore lower total cost of ownership (TCO). The best choice depends on your operational model.
How do I avoid grid overload with DC chargers?
By using a CSMS with dynamic load management and, ideally, smart charging signals.
Can I start with AC and add DC later?
Yes. Many fleets begin with AC chargers and gradually add DC fast chargers as operations scale.
For fleet managers, the choice isn’t AC or DC, it’s about finding the right mix. With the right smart charging system and support from Bia, your fleet can operate cost-efficiently today while staying ready for the future
