April 3, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to DC Fast Chargers: What You Need to Know
6 Min. Read
Prospective electric vehicle drivers commonly mistake the concept of recharging an EV as the same that happens at public gas stations and convenience stores which requires you to drive to a destination to refuel. But for most EV drivers, daily travel normally starts with a “full tank” thanks to charging at home overnight.
So where does fast charging come into play and why is having a robust charging infrastructure critical to the success of EV adoption and EV driver satisfaction in North America?
This article is designed to educate EV drivers, fleet professionals, and commercial property managers about the role of rapidly recharging an EV, commonly referred to as “fast charging” or “DC Fast Charging.”
For a more detailed background on the different levels of EV charging, be sure to read our article discussing Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging.
What is a DC Fast Charger?
Unlike standard Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, which take hours to recharge an EV battery, DC Fast Chargers (DCFCs) provide high-power and high-speed charging that can rapidly replenish up to 80% of an EV’s battery in as little as 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for publicly accessible locations where rapid turnaround is critical, such as along highways, interstates, and other highly traveled corridors.
Here are some of the most popular DC Fast Charging networks built across America:
- There are nearly 30,000 Tesla Supercharger DC Fast charging ports
- There are over 4,600 Electrify America DC Fast charging ports
- Ford’s BlueOval™ Charge Network currently includes over 37,500 DC Fast Chargers (including Tesla Superchargers)
- EVgo, which has partnered with GM Energy, has 4,000 DC Fast charging ports
- There are over 3,700 ChargePoint DC Fast Charging ports
- IONNA, founded by a consortium of eight automotive companies, is deploying 1,000 DC fast-charging ports by the end of 2025
For many of these networks, finding an at-scale installation partner who could effectively and safely install, service, and maintain their charging stations was made seamless by partnering with North America’s leading provider of EV charger installations and other electrification technologies.
A Trusted Installation Partner for ChargePoint DC Fast Chargers
One of the leading manufacturers of DC Fast chargers is ChargePoint. Their innovative fast-charging solutions are widely used across commercial and fleet applications. As of March 2025, the ChargePoint network includes over 329,000 activated ports!
Omni Port is one of the newest ChargePoint DCFC innovations, designed for compatibility across a wide range of EV makes and models. Learn more about the ChargePoint Omni Port DC Fast charger in the video below:
Through a national partnership with ChargePoint, Qmerit provides expert installation and maintenance for their DC Fast and Level 2 charging stations, ensuring customers have reliable access to high-quality charging solutions.
“By working closely with Qmerit’s fleet customers and leveraging Qmerit’s strong installation and service capabilities, we’ve successfully deployed EV charging infrastructure across multiple sites.” -Amy Blair, Director of National Fleet North America – ChargePoint
With a network of certified installers across the United States and Canada and a deep understanding of the technical, logistical, and regulatory challenges associated with commercial installations, Qmerit is uniquely positioned to deliver on ChargePoint’s needs.
Learn about Qmerit’s Partnership with ChargePoint
DC Fast Charger Installation Cost Considerations
The cost of a DC Fast charger varies depending on factors such as power output, installation complexity, and any required electrical upgrades that may be needed at the charging site to support these high-powered charging stations.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Hardware Costs: $10,000 – $100,000+ per unit
- Installation Costs: Varies based on site conditions, electrical capacity, and permitting
- Operational Costs: Includes energy consumption, maintenance, and networking fees
For commercial and fleet operators, EV charging rebates and tax credits from local utilities and federal government programs can help offset costs. Qmerit can help you navigate available incentives to maximize savings on your project.
How Much Do DC Fast Chargers Cost EV Drivers?
DC Fast charging is convenient when traveling, but the cost can be as much as three times higher compared to at-home charging. DC Fast chargers cost $0.40 to $0.50 per kWh on average, which is equivalent to paying $16 to $20 dollars (based on a 40 kWh battery).
DC Fast charger pricing can vary a lot based on location, charging network, and the type of charger used. Local energy prices and regulations are also important factors to consider.
And it should be no surprise that EVs with bigger batteries cost more to charge. For example, using the same math as above but based on the highest-selling EV in 2024, the Tesla Model Y, it costs $30 to $37.50 to charge (Model Y has a 75 kWh battery).
How Much Does Home EV Charging Cost?
Home charging costs will vary based on location and utility rates, and time-of-use electricity rates could help you pay even less if you charge overnight. Using the U.S. average residential electricity rate of $0.16/kWh, with an average EV battery size of 40 kWh, a full charge costs $6.40 at home.
For a more detailed analysis, you can read the following article: How Much Does It Cost To Charge An EV?
Can You Install a DC Fast Charger at Home?
While DC Fast chargers at home are technically possible, albeit rather impractical, they require substantial electrical infrastructure upgrades that most residential properties aren’t equipped to handle. And they’re not cheap!
Instead, homeowners typically opt for Level 2 charging, which offers a balance of speed, convenience, and affordability.
If you’re interested in exploring home EV charging options, Qmerit can guide you toward the best solution for your needs.
How Can Qmerit Help with DC Fast Charging?
Residential EV Owners
While DCFCs provide the fastest battery charge, consistent use has been shown to increase battery degradation. Instead, you should consider getting a quote for Level 2 EV charging at home.
You can also shop for EV chargers through the Qmerit Store.
Commercial Property Managers
Public charging options can attract EV drivers to do business at your location, and workplace charging is a great incentive to recruit and retain top talent.
Learn more about Qmerit’s commercial EV charging solutions.
Fleet Professionals
DCFCs can keep electric fleets charged and ready for operations, but don’t overlook the role of Level 2 at-home charging for take-home fleets, and depot charging with Level 2 chargers or DCFC for work-based fleets.
Learn more about Qmerit’s fleet electrification solutions.
Utilities
Whether it’s DC Fast Charging or Level 2 EV charging, Qmerit has the capabilities for supporting large-scale EV infrastructure deployment. Additionally, Qmerit offers programs that can help utilities seamlessly tackle grid modernization projects, and implement other energy transition technologies, and support the local electrification efforts across their territories.
Learn more about Qmerit’s EV charging implementation and electrification solutions.
Contractors
Qmerit is helping connect the entire EV ecosystem by supporting local electricians and electrical contractors in gaining the necessary skills and training they need to support safe EV charger installations and other electrification technologies!
Join our certified installer network today and become part of the growing EV charging industry.
Looking for DC Fast Charger Installation, Service, or Maintenance?
As a leader in EV charging installation, Qmerit ensures seamless deployment of DC Fast chargers for businesses, fleet operators, and utilities. With our extensive network of certified installers and our industry-leading customer satisfaction rating, we provide turnkey solutions tailored to your needs including installation, commissioning, service, and maintenance.
Learn more about EVSE maintenance programs.
About Qmerit
As the largest network of certified EV charger installers in North America, Qmerit is the most trusted EV charger installation partner recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike.
But don’t just take our word for it. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction, Qmerit’s experienced network of certified electricians has installed more than 770,000 EV charging stations in homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada!
Give us a call at (888) 272-0090 to find out why we’re North America’s most trusted EV charger installation service provider today!
