Frequent DC fast charging does contribute somewhat more to battery wear than slower AC charging, but the effect is smaller than many drivers assume, and modern battery management systems are built specifically to limit the impact.
Why fast charging stresses a battery more
Pushing high current into a battery generates more heat than slow charging, and heat is one of the primary drivers of long-term battery capacity loss over thousands of charge cycles.
What modern EVs do about it
Active thermal management systems cool the battery during fast charging specifically to limit heat buildup, which is a major reason modern EVs handle regular fast charging far better than early-generation EVs did.
Real-world takeaway
Occasional or even regular fast charging for road trips is not something most owners need to avoid — the bigger long-term factors are total mileage, climate, and how often the battery sits at extreme states of charge (0% or 100%) for long periods.
Should I avoid fast charging entirely to protect my battery?
Most manufacturers and independent battery studies suggest it's not necessary — using fast charging when it's genuinely useful (road trips, being low on time) is fine; the concern is mainly about making it your only or primary charging method.