Which DC Charger Is Right for Your Application?

What fleet operators, fuel stations, shopping malls and dealerships need to understand before investing in EV charging infrastructure

Which DC Charger Is Right for Your Application?

The rapid expansion of electric mobility is no longer just an environmental agenda it is becoming an energy infrastructure and business model decision.

The question is no longer:

“Should I install an EV charger?”

It is now:

Which type of DC charger is right for my business?

Which DC Charger Is Right for Your Application?

Because choosing the wrong solution may result in:

• Unnecessary CAPEX

• Low operational ROI

• Asset underutilization

• Demand charge penalties

• Oversized electrical infrastructure

Understanding the difference between ultra-fast charging and strategic medium-power DC charging is now essential.

The Most Common Mistake: Assuming More Power Is Always Better

DC chargers above 120 kW are designed for:

✔ Highways

✔ Logistics corridors

✔ Public charging hubs

✔ Long-distance travel

However, the reality is that most electric vehicles remain parked for 20 to 90 minutes in locations such as:

• Dealerships

• Supermarkets

• Shopping centers

• Urban fuel stations

• Corporate parking facilities

• Logistics fleets

• Workshops

• Car wash facilities

• Operational garages

In these environments, the goal is not a 10-minute recharge.

It is economically viable smart charging.

The Role of 40 kW DC Compact Chargers

Solutions such as theAutel Energy MaxiCharger DC Compactrepresent a new strategic category of EV infrastructure:

➡ Medium-power DC charging with low grid impact

With a nominal output of 40 kW (up to 47 kW), this type of charger was designed for applications where:

• Vehicles already have a natural dwell time

• Operators aim to monetize parking time

• Grid upgrades are not financially viable

• Multiple vehicles must be served throughout the day

According to manufacturer specifications, the system:

• Operates within a 150 – 950V DC range

• Provides ≥ 96% efficiency

• Supports simultaneous charging of two vehicles (CCS2)

• Can deliver up to 130 km of driving range in 30 minutes

Additionally, it can typically serve 5 to 8 vehicles per day in commercial environments.

Ideal Application by Segment

🚗 Dealerships

• Vehicles remain on-site for hours

• Pre-delivery charging

• Customer demonstrations

• No need for HPC (>120kW)

➡ A 40 kW DC charger is sufficient and reduces installation costs

🚚 Urban Fleets

• Vans and utility vehicles return daily

• Charging windows between shifts

➡ Enables simultaneous charging with Dynamic Load Balancing, automatically distributing power between two connected vehicles.

🛒 Shopping Centers & Supermarkets

Average dwell time:

📊 30 to 90 minutes

Exactly the time window where a medium-power DC charger can deliver meaningful range without requiring high-demand grid connections.

⛽ Urban Fuel Stations

• Higher average ticket

• Longer customer stay

• New revenue streams through:

✔ Energy-based pricing

✔ Time-based pricing

✔ Connection fees

✔ Idle fees

Additionally, systems such as the DC Compact feature a 21.5” display for advertising and media monetization, enabling additional revenue opportunities.

🏢 Corporate Parking Facilities

• Vehicles remain parked during working hours

• No operational need for ultra-fast charging

➡ Lower installation cost due to compact design and standard 400V AC three-phase supply.

Installation: A Critical ROI Factor

Unlike HPC chargers, compact DC solutions:

• Do not require dedicated substations

• Operate on standard three-phase grids

• Reduce engineering costs

• Allow fixed or mobile installation

In many cases, this completely eliminates the need for:

❌ Transformer upgrades

❌ Complex civil works

❌ Increased contracted demand

Conclusion

EV charging infrastructure is shifting from a maximum speed logic to an application-driven energy and financial optimization model.

In most urban and commercial environments, investing in medium-power DC chargers such as the MaxiCharger DC Compact may represent:

✔ Lower CAPEX

✔ Faster deployment

✔ Higher utilization rate

✔ Improved financial return

The right decision is not installing the fastest charger available.

It is installing the right charger based on vehicle dwell time and available grid capacity.

Which DC Charger Is Right for Your Application?