What’s the Difference Between AC and DC Charging Gun Cable Assemblies?

　　When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) charging, AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging gun cable assemblies serve very different purposes. Their differences lie in power transmission, current capacity, structural design, and application scenarios. Here’s a detailed comparison:

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　　1. Power Transmission Method

　　AC Charging Cable Assembly: Transmits alternating current (AC), which is converted into DC by the vehicle’s onboard charger (OBC) before charging the battery.

　　DC Charging Cable Assembly: Transmits direct current (DC) directly from the charging station to the EV battery, bypassing the onboard charger — allowing much faster charging.

　　2. Voltage and Current Levels

　　AC Cable:Typically rated at 16A to 32A and 220V–380V, suitable for home or slow charging.

　　DC Cable:Can handle 250A up to 500A and voltages from 750V to 1000V, designed for fastcharging applications.

　　3. Cable Structure and Shielding

　　AC Cable:Has a relatively simple structure — usually 3core or 5core (L, N, PE, and control wires).

　　DC Cable:Uses a multilayer shielding design (aluminum foil + braided shield) with temperature sensors and signal control wires.

　　Highconductivity copper cores ensure safe transmission of high current.

　　4. Connector Types and Standards

　　AC Charging Guns:Commonly use Type 2 (Europe) or Type 1 (North America) connectors.

　　DC Charging Guns:Usually feature CCS, CHAdeMO, or GB/T connectors — larger and more robust to handle higher power.

　　5. Application Scenarios

　　AC Charging Cable Assemblies:Ideal for home garages, office buildings, and standard parking lots, where vehicles are charged slowly, often overnight.

　　DC Charging Cable Assemblies:Used in public fastcharging stations, highway rest stops, bus depots, and logistics centers, where quick energy replenishment is critical.

　　Summary Table