A car battery stores direct current (DC), while the power grid supplies alternating current (AC).
AC charging (alternating current): this is how you charge at home, at the office and at most street-side charging stations. The converter in your car (the on-board charger) converts the current to direct current. How fast you charge therefore also depends on your car.
DC charging (fast charging): the current is already converted in the charging station, so your car can charge much faster. You will find DC chargers mainly along motorways and at fast-charging locations.
Not every car charges equally fast. The maximum power of your car determines how fast you actually charge.
Keywords:
AC DC charging | fast charging | alternating current direct current | fast charger | on-board charger | home charger