Again, it does not matter whether you charge and discharge capacitors, the energy required is the same. Capacitors do not create energy.
If your targets are warheads they do not need to be melted like an alloy wheel, just penetrated and that takes less energy (and/or time). Wikipedia says "While the ABL's laser required 55 kg (121 lb) to generate one kW, the MDA wanted to reduce that to 25 kg (4.411.0 lb) per kW, totaling 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) for a megawatt" My estimate of 100,000 pounds for 2.5 MW was a little low for ABL but a much lighter power supply is envisioned.
Please try to remember, the claim that wheels can't melt in a forest fire and therefore must have been melted by someone with a beam weapon is your claim, not mine. My one second per wheel assumption is simply a realistic assessment of the engagement with the target. It could be a little longer but not much longer.
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Capacitors make a larger pulse instantly available, thus reduce the required charging source.
I made no claim at all but that the fires were not high intensity in most locations where houses and stores were burned, and that is supported by the testimony of most residents.