What are the main components of an Electric vehicle chargers ?

EV chargers are devices that provide electrical energy to recharge the batteries of electric vehicles. It's really important for EV owners to understand different parts of these chargers and how they work to enhance overall charging experience.

This article will explain different components of EV chargers and their role in the charging process.

Why is it important to understand the main components of an EV charger?

-It allows EV owners to choose the right type of charger for their

Vehicle.

-It also helps EV owners to troubleshoot charging issues and

perform essential charger maintenance.

-EV owners can take the required precautions to prevent

electrical hazards and ensure the charging process is safe and

efficient.

Lets understand EV charger components one by one

Power supply

-Main function of the power supply is to convert the grid’s AC or

The power supply has three main circuits ,transformer, rectifier,

and control circuitry.

-Two types of power supply used by EV chargers AC and DC

-Level 1and Level 2 chargers use AC power supply and then

convert it into suitable voltage and current needed to charge

EV battery of vehicle

-Level 3 chargers use high voltage DC power and convert it to

Suitable voltage and current needed to charge EV battery of

vehicle.

-Power supply decides charging speed and efficiency.

-When power supply is powerful enough then it can charge EV

faster

-When power supply is not that much powerful then it results in

slower charging times.

-High quality power supply also ensures good efficiency

and a cost effective charging process.

 

Connector

connector has a plug, which goes into the electric vehicle’s inlet.that is required to place in the electric vehicle socket pretty much like any other appliances.The plug varies based on the country, brand, charging level, the same is the case with electric vehicles’ charging plugs and sockets. The plug and socket have pins that match and connect to form an electrical circuit. Pins can handle a range of high currents and voltages without overheating or causing electrical arcing.

When selecting a charging station, ensure it has a compatible connector for your EV. You should also check the power rating of the connector and the station to ensure they meet your charging needs.

Types of connectors

Type 1-This connector has five pins, and you can see it mainly in North America and Japan. It has a relatively low power rating up to 16 amps, which makes it suitable for slow and medium-speed charging systems.

Type 2- IEC 62196 Type 2 plug AKA Mennekes is the official standard for the European Union. This type of connector has seven pins. Europe and Australia mainly use it. It supports higher power levels up to 43 kW, which makes it suitable for fast charging.

CHAdeMO-CHAdeMO, originated in Japan, is an acronym of ‘CHArge de MOve’ meaning ‘charge 'n' go’. The phrase itself says it is a DC fast charger. It was founded by five Japanese automakers. Back in 2005, its research and development were started and in 2010, they launched their first CHAdeMO connector with 62.5kW - 400kW power output.

CCS- Combined Charging System (CCS) is a standardised connector that combines the Type 2 AC connector with two additional DC pins. It is becoming more prevalent in vehicles worldwide and supports charging up to 350 kW.

Bharat EV Charger AC-001-Electric vehicles feature onboard charge at up to 3 kW charging rates in slow AC charging. The IEC 60309 Industrial Blue connections are used in Indian electric vehicles, and the Bharat EV guidelines recommend that this plug be utilised.

Bharat EV Charger DC-001-As per Bharat specifications, DC changing has two types provided at the fast charging station.

1. Level 1 - This has a power output of 10 kW to 15 kW.

2. Level 2 - This one has a power output of 30 kW to 150 kW.

Charging cable

-The charging cable is the connection between the charging station and the EV. It carries the electric current from the charging station to the EV’s battery.

-The quality and type of charging cable used can affect the speed and efficiency of the charging process.

-The cable is usually made of high-strength materials such as copper or aluminium to withstand the weight of the various EVs.

-Type 1 cables are commonly used in North America and Japan, while Type 2 cables are popular in Europe.

-The charging cable’s length and flexibility decides the safety of the charging process.

Control board

-For seamless charging process and safety of EV battery, well designed control board is a must.

-It typically consists of a microcontroller, voltage and current sensors, relays, and other components.

-It ensures that the EV battery is charged optimally and prevents overcharging or undercharging, which can damage the battery.

-The control board communicates with the EV’s onboard computer to exchange information about the battery’s state, charging rate, and other parameters.

- It regulates the current and voltage supplied to the EV battery based on its charging state, temperature, battery capacity, and other factors.

- It takes appropriate action to prevent safety hazards, such as stopping the charging or reducing the current.

User interface

-The user interface is part of the charging station that the user interacts with. With the help of a user interface, users can control the charging process.

-There are different types of user interfaces like RFID card reader,touchpad,touchscreen.

-A well-designed interface should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and provide clear and concise information about the charging process.

-It should also be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities or limited mobility.

Summing Up

In short, the main components of EV chargers are the power supply, charging cable, connector, control board, and user interface.Each one has their specific role in the charging process.Understand this will allow EV owners to choose the right type of charger for their Vehicle.