AC charging is the everyday option
Most routine charging happens while a car is parked for a while: at home, work or a destination charger. This is AC charging. The car converts that electricity internally, and its onboard charger limits the rate it can use.
For an overnight stop, the exact peak rate is usually less important than having dependable access to a charger.
DC rapid charging is for the road
DC rapid chargers send electricity directly to the battery. Their power is measured in kilowatts (kW), but a car's stated maximum is only a peak. The actual rate changes as the battery fills and depends on temperature and charger conditions.
That is why two cars with the same peak kW figure may not spend the same time at a charger.
Why 10–80% is commonly used
Batteries usually accept their fastest rates through the middle of their charge. Near full, charging slows to protect the battery. On a longer trip, several shorter stops can therefore be more practical than waiting for 100% each time.
Match the charger to the stop
Charging power is only one part of the experience. The car, the charge point and the battery all negotiate a rate, so plugging into a 350 kW charger does not make every car charge at 350 kW. A lower-powered charger can still be the sensible choice for a long stop.
At home, a dedicated and correctly installed charge point is usually the most convenient option. Public destination chargers can work well for places where you already spend time, such as workplaces, supermarkets or hotels. Rapid chargers are most useful when they fit naturally into a longer journey.
Make a charging plan that suits you
Before buying, identify your most likely charging routine: where the car sleeps, how often you need to travel beyond its comfortable range and which public networks are available on your routes. The answer is different for an apartment resident, a commuter with workplace charging and a driver with a private driveway.
A good routine does not need to be complicated. Regular access to slower AC charging often removes the need to think about day-to-day range, leaving rapid charging for the journeys where it saves time.