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VEHICLE CHARGING
A Comprehensive Guide
A brief guide on
building an EV
charging solutions
CONTENTS
1. Introduction3
2. EV charging infrastructure 3
2.1. Types of EV charger (AC/DC type)3
2.2. Different levels of chargers4
4. Conclusion23
1. INTRODUCTION
What is an Electric Vehicle (EV) charger? It’s a device that supplies electric power to recharge EV batteries. This
comprehensive guide on EV charging solutions is your ultimate resource for EV charger design. It covers various
charging technologies, differences between AC and DC charging architectures, and types of chargers, ranging from
level 1 to level 3, encompassing slow to fast charging. It helps you understand essential components such as power
management, control systems, communication protocols, and security measures, providing insights on planning and
deploying EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, it offers curated solutions and product recommendations from
industry-leading suppliers for building and enhancing EV charging infrastructure, ultimately aiding in navigating the
future of mobility.
2. EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE
The EV charging infrastructure is a collection of residential and commercial EV supply equipment (EVSE). A robust EVSE
that serves both urban and rural areas is essential for promoting the global uptake of EVs.
• Prepare for the placement of the EVSE to best support the EVs. The placement must be based on demand,
visible, easily accessed, and near all needed amenities.
• Identify the charger types that can be used.
• Assess the electrical capacity of the site. Such an assessment is needed to accommodate the charging
infrastructure.
• Determine the number of charging stations and their placement.
• Execute network connectivity and power management,
• Integrate renewable energy sources like solar power while ensuring regulatory compliance,
• Focus on user experience and establish a maintenance plan,
• Collaborate with stakeholders.
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for determining the number of charging stations needed. It would be best to
establish a maintenance plan for regular check-ups, repairs, and support services to keep the charging infrastructure
operational.
On the other hand, DC charging can feed power directly to the car’s battery, and there is no need for an onboard
charger. This is possible as DC charging has a converter inside the charger itself. DC fast charging bypasses the
limitations of the onboard charger and provides DC power directly to the battery, increasing charging speed. DC
chargers are faster than AC charging, bigger in size, and used for fast charging.
EVs can be charged using AC or DC methods. AC charging offers two options: slow or fast, while DC provides rapid
charging. The charging times depend on the type of EV charger. There are three types of EV charging: Level 1, which is
slow with 5 km of range per hour; Level 2, which offers 30 to 50 km of range per hour; and Level 3, which offers up to
20 miles per minute. Level 1 and Level 2 are AC chargers, while Level 3 is a DC charger. As the charging level increases,
the charging speed decreases.
50kW
Level 3 Off-board 3-phases Commercial, same as Dedicated power 100kW 0.4-1 hours
(Fast/less than 1 hour) (DC charging) gas station connector 250kW 0.2-0.5 hours
350kW
The vehicle’s onboard converter converts AC to DC in Levels 1 and 2. At the same time, DC power is supplied directly
to the battery in Level 3 charging, where the conversion occurs outside the vehicle and in the charging station. This
rapid charging method eliminates the slow onboard conversion process, resulting in higher power outputs and faster
charging times.
The slower rate of AC Level 2 charging is best for people who don’t mind waiting a few hours for their cars to recharge.
Many workplaces and homes are equipped with AC Level 2 chargers.
The increasing demand for fast charging with low system costs is a strong driver for using OBC solutions. The OBC
system in EVs recharges the high-voltage main battery from the AC grid while parked. Recharge occurs from the home
AC mains plug or private/public outlets (AC charging station). The system optimizes EV battery management, supports
various conversion topologies, and features high power density, low switching losses, integrated isolation, and
high-performance 32-bit microcontrollers. The OBC uses discrete high-voltage components where the typical AC
power charging level goes from 3.6 kW (single Phase) to 22 kW (three Phase). Electric components’ battery capacity
and energy efficiency determine whether one can achieve the desired driving range.
An OBC is of a four-stage design: EMI filter/input stage, power factor correction stage, DC-DC conversion stage,
and output filtering stage, as shown in Figure 2. The EMI filter is an essential part of the OBC, where it removes
undesirable noise from AC sine waves and filters AC power. It improves system efficiency and dependability by
Electric Vehicle Charging – A Comprehensive Guide 5
reducing potentially harmful voltage and current spikes. Common mode chokes, AC harmonic filter capacitors, and
X & Y safety capacitors are a few parts that make up the filter, and they function as an effective barrier against
unauthorized electrical disruptions. The filter’s efficiency can be found by comparing the waveform before and after
the EMI filter’s intervention.
The Power Factor Correction (PFC) stage ensures efficient power and prevents grid issues. It is crucial to OBC
design. The PFC inhibits component damage due to displacement or distortion and minimizes user-related challenges.
A PFC stage can be implemented through active or passive methods to rectify these losses. Active correction involves
switching to convert the incoming waveform into a DC waveform, enhancing the power factor and ensuring efficient
power utilization. Passive correction uses capacitors and inductors to smooth abrupt switching patterns, creating a
balanced waveform and mitigating ripple voltage.
Isolation
Center Tapped
Classic Boost LLC / CLLC
Grid AC
Filter Full Bridge Filter
with Diodes
Dual
Totem pole Full Bridge
Active Bridge
with MOSFETs
OBC
Microcontroller
CAN
Gateway
HV Aux Power Supply
Communication
Power Supply and Diagnostic
In an OBC design, the vital DC-DC converter stage converts AC power from the PFC stage to DC as per the
requirements of the battery system. The converter input is the DC power generated by the PFC stage. The
transformer is the central stage and facilitates the step-up or step-down voltage transformation. Active devices
surrounding the transformer work together to fine-tune the power factor, mitigating power factor corrections and
optimizing the voltage conversion process.
In the final stage of the OBC, an output filter is placed to remove the remaining harmonics. This is done using a simple
RLC circuit in a passive context. The adjusted power charges the battery used in an EV. Components like power
resistors, high-voltage capacitors, and high-power inductors are designed to withstand extreme power conditions and
the device’s physical characteristics. Engineers consider vibration resistance, temperature and humidity requirements,
and space constraints when selecting components for an OBC.
element14 provides a complete product portfolio including Si and SiC power MOSFETs, IGBTs, silicon and SiC diodes,
protections, SCR thyristors, MEMS, connectivity ICs, gate drivers, and microcontrollers, in accordance with AEC-Q100
and AEC-Q101 standards.
6 Electric Vehicle Charging – A Comprehensive Guide
Level 1 (slow) charging is an onboard 1-phase AC charging method used primarily at home or the office. It uses a
standard convenience outlet with a power rating ranging from 1.4 kW (12A) to 1.9 kW (20A). The charging duration
varies significantly, with estimated times ranging from 11 to 36 hours. This method is characterized by simplicity and
convenience, making it suitable for overnight or extended parking
scenarios. However, it may not be ideal for rapid recharging and is
often used when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, such as
overnight or during the workday.
The Ground Fault Current Indicator (GFCI) is shown as T2 that cancels normal line and neutral currents, generating a
secondary voltage when there’s a difference between line and neutral currents, indicating an extra fault current to the
ground. This makes the part smaller than T1 and typically requires additional winding for testing. The relay performs the
disconnect function under fault conditions or for scheduled connection. The isolated auxiliary supply provides a few
watts for the control and monitoring functions.
T1 T2 RELAY
L in L out
Transient
suppression
N in N out
Current
monitor GFCI Test Disconnect
AC monitor and GFCI Trip control
aux supply To EV
Pilot
Measurement, control, communications
AC-DC aux
supply
E E
A large inverter or transformer is needed if the AC wall box comes without galvanic isolation between the AC supply
and EV connection. Mechanical disconnection is necessary, with relay contacts in line and neutral, opening when
overload, short circuit, or ground fault is detected. Current transformers can sense these conditions. The disconnect
function can be used for scheduled charging and controlled remotely via wireless or powerline communications along
the AC supply. The control unit/wall box interface or powerline communication can be used for scheduled charging.
Three-phase AC wall boxes for domestic installation will typically operate from nominal 380/400VAC and be designed
for over-voltage category III and IEC 61581. One transformer can be used for ground fault detection.
Figure 5: EV Charging
A DC charging station is a Level 3 charger with a high-power level of over 350 kW, using modular converters that can
be stacked outside the vehicle. These converters directly interface with the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the onboard
charger. The power module in a DC charging station consists of AC/DC and DC/DC power stages, where each has its
own power stage, power switches, gate driver, current and voltage sensing, and controller. In the first stage, it converts
incoming 3-phase AC into a fixed DC voltage of around 800 V, while in the next stage, the DC/DC converter sets the
output to match the needs of the battery integrated into the vehicle.
DC EV chargers have revolutionized the charging industry by combining power, speed, and scalability. With a higher
power rating than AC chargers, DC chargers operate in the 11 kW-22 kW range and are expected to reach the 30 kW to
50 kW spectrum in the near future. When multiple DC charger sub-units work in parallel, the power rating of charging
piles can be increased from 120 kW to 360 kW, enhancing user convenience. DC charging also has the advantage of
recharging EV batteries to 80 percent capacity in less than half an hour, transforming the charging experience and
aligning with modern EV users’ fast-paced lifestyles.
and amplifiers. The topology for AC/DC and DC/DC power conversion stages is a prime factor, as it determines the
system’s efficiency. Each power stage has its controller responsible for processing analog data and providing rapid
control reactions.
1200V SiC
Diodes
Current
1200V FRD Sense Discrete IGBTs & HV FETs
BLDC Fan
with low RDS(on)/fast
Diodes Gate Drivers Gate Drivers Moter
switching ot PIMs providing
improved system reliability
High Current BLDC Motor
full protection Control
Gate Drivers
Voltage
µCU Isolation ADC
High Precision Sense
Op-Amps
Communications Touch Screen Wide Body
Controller Optocouplers
Auxiliary Display
LCD
RF PLC CAN Power
Backlighting
Three−phase Power Factor Correction (PFC) topologies are critical for efficient and fast DC charging. By incorporating
Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors into your three−phase PFC topologies, you can address the usually
conflicting challenge of reducing power losses and increasing power density. Implementing the frontend three−phase
PFC boost stage in multiple topologies is possible; several may fulfill the exact electrical requirements.
The AC-DC converter in an offboard charger is a frontend rectifier before the DC-DC conversion stage in an EV fast
charging station. Various topologies convert AC power from the utility grid to DC power, handling high power fed
directly to the battery. Due to advancements in semiconductor technology, active PFCs are increasingly used in EV
charging stations. Single-phase and three-phase topologies are used depending on power levels, with single-phase
used for power levels less than 3.3 kW and three-phase used for higher power levels. The AC/DC converter in an EV
typically uses a three-phase high-power rectifier for fast charging. Topologies for AC-DC conversion include a
three-phase buck type rectifier, Swiss rectifier, Vienna rectifier, and three-phase boost type rectifier.
DC−DC conversion stages employ three main isolated topologies: the full−bridge LLC resonant converter, the full−
bridge phase−shift Dual Active Bridge (DAB) Zero Voltage Transition (ZVT) converter, and the full−bridge phase−shift
ZVT converter.
1) Input Protection
EV chargers have various protection mechanisms to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards. Overvoltage protection
disconnects the power if the voltage exceeds the maximum rating, averting damage to the charging system. Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter monitors the current flow and disconnects the circuit in case of a ground fault, minimizing the risk
of electric shocks. Surge Protection Devices (SPDS) are needed for all new electrical circuits to protect against voltage
surges, protecting electronic components and Infrastructure from damage.
Electric Vehicle Charging – A Comprehensive Guide 9
TVS Diode, SM15T, TVS Diode, TRANSZORB SMCJ, TVS Diode, Transil SMBJ,
Unidirectional, 5.8 V, 13.4 V, Unidirectional, 5 V, 12.5 V, Unidirectional, 24 V, 38.9 V,
DO-214AB (SMC), 2 Pins SOT-323, 6 Pins DO-214AA (SMB), 2 Pins
TVS Diode, PTVS, TVS Diode, TRANSZORB SMAJ, TVS Diode, Transil SMBJ,
Unidirectional, 15 V, 24.4 V, Unidirectional, 30 V, 64.3 V, Unidirectional, 43 V, 69.4 V,
SOD-123, 2 Pins DO-214AC (SMA), 2 Pins DO-214AA (SMB), 2 Pins
Power Line Filter, General Power Line Filter, General Power Line Filter, Installation,
Purpose, 520 VAC, one kA, Purpose, 530 VAC, 75 A, Three General Purpose, 250 VAC, 3
Three Phase, 2 Stage, Chassis Phase, 1 Stage, Chassis Mount A, Single Phase, 2 Stage
Mount
Power Line Filter, 50 V, 15 A, 1 Power Line Filter, Chassis, Power Line Filter, Chassis,
Stage, Through Hole General Purpose, 250 VAC, 6 General Purpose, 480 VAC, 30
A, Single Phase, 1 Stage, Chassis A, Three Phase, 1 Stage, Chassis
Mount Mount
Power Line Filter, Chassis, Surge Protector, High Speed, Surge Protector, Surge
General Purpose, 250 VAC, 3 Single, Bidirectional, 1 Pole, Protector, 20 kA, 300 VAC,
A, Single Phase, 1 Stage, Chassis 300 VAC, PCB - Surface Mount PCB - Through Hole
Mount
Order Code
3584457
3) Relay
Relays are crucial in EV charging stations, as they switch power to the EV and manage potential hazards like ground faults
or creepage currents. A control module within the EVSE controls the main relay, activated only after safety conditions are
met. The relay then switches power to the high-voltage terminals of the charging cable, initiating the charging cycle. When
disengaged, the control module deactivates the main relay to prevent terminal arcing. Relays must withstand high inrush
and short circuit currents and voltage spikes of 10kV or more, handling high currents for sustained periods and repeatedly
switching high voltages. Level 1 or 2 chargers need relays to take 16A at 250V AC.
Power Relay, DPST-NO, 48 General Purpose Relay, T92 Power Relay, DPST-NO, 24
VDC, 40 A, HE-S Series, Series, Power, Non-Latching, VDC, 30 A, Zelio RPF, DIN
Through Hole, Non-Latching DPST-NO, 24 VDC, 40 A Rail, Panel
inductor size. SiC MOSFETs are voltage-controlled devices made with silicon carbide, offering conveniences such as
higher breakdown voltages, better cooling and temperature endurance, smaller size, 10x higher dielectric breakdown
field strength, 2x higher electron saturation velocity, 3x higher energy bandgap, and 3x higher thermal conductivity.
They are used in high-power and voltage devices, reducing the size of components like inductors, capacitors, filters, and
transformers.
5) MOSFET Driver
A MOSFET gate driver is a specialized circuit that efficiently drives the gate of power MOSFETs in high-speed switching
applications. It is a power amplifier that accepts a low-power input from a controller IC and produces a high-current
drive input for the gate of a high-power transistor, such as an IGBT or power MOSFET. Gate drivers can be provided on-
chip or as a discrete module. A voltage higher than the rated gate threshold must be applied to turn on a MOSFET. The
MOSFET gate drive consumes no power in a steady on or off state. Factors such as compatibility, isolation, protection,
and integration must be considered when selecting an appropriate gate driver. The gate driver should align with the
controller’s input signal characteristics, the circuit’s supply voltage, and the specific MOSFET gate voltage and current
requirements.
MOSFET Driver, Half Bridge, MOSFET Driver IC, Full MOSFET Driver, Full Bridge,
9.6 V to 26 V Supply, -40 Bridge, 8.5V-15V Supply, 1.4A 10 V to 16.6 V supply, 180 mA
°C to 125 °C, 75 ns Delay, Out, 25ns Delay, SOIC-16 /260 mA out, 15.6 V Clamp,
WSOIC-8 NSOIC-14
LT1162CSW#PBF - NCP81062MNTWG -
MOSFET DRIVER MOSFET DRIVER
4018519 2724059
6) Power MOSFET
A power MOSFET is a three-terminal silicon device that switches large amounts of current due to its low gate drive power,
fast charging speed, and superior paralleling capability. It is widely used due to its ability to operate at low voltages, offer
high switching speed, and optimize efficiency.
Order Code
3977662
7) IGBT
Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) are essential components in EV charging systems. They are semiconductor-
switching devices that convert DC and AC in the charging process. IGBTs are known for their high efficiency, ensuring
minimal energy losses during the charging cycle. They are robust and reliable, contributing to the longevity and stability
of EV charging systems. Their fast-switching capabilities enable precise control over the flow of electrical currents,
optimizing the charging process.
Electric Vehicle Charging – A Comprehensive Guide 13
IGBT, 100 A, 2.1 V, 535 W, 1.2 IGBT, 75 A, 2.35 V, 300 W, TRANSISTOR, IGBT, 1.2KV,
kV, MAX-247, 3 Pins 1.2 kV, TO-247, 3 Pins 240A, TO-264
IGBT, 43 A, 2.4 V, 298 W, 1.2 IGBT, 60 A, 1.55 V, 258 W, IGBT, 35 A, 1.6 V, 72 W, 650
kV, TO-247, 3 Pins 650 V, TO-247, 3 Pins V, TO-3PFM, 3 Pins
Order Code
3790235
RECTIFIER, 2.2KV, 30A, Standard Recovery Diode, 1.2 Standard Recovery Diode,
TO-263 kV, 30 A, Single Dual Anode, 1.2 kV, 50 A, Single, 2.15 V,
1.29 V, 325 A 243 ns, 102 A
Order Code
2806744RL
3051958 3014238
16TTS12SPBF - PGH100N16 -
THYRISTOR SCR THYRISTOR SCR
9104380 4036911
open Linux platform. Higher-power DC chargers are typically built modularly, stacking power blocks of 15 to 75 kW (and
above) in a single cabinet. They are programmable charging controller for DC and AC charging of EVs in accordance with
IEC 61851-1,-23, DIN SPEC 70121, and CHAdeMO, with an integrated cellular modem.
2926900 2926903
CHAdeMO, or “Charge de Move,” is a standard used by carmakers, primarily in Japan, for charging EVs. The Combined
Charging System (CCS) connector is an open industry standard commonly associated with North American and
European automakers. All newly manufactured passenger EVs (except Tesla) in North America use the CCS connector.
Tesla connectors are exclusively found in Tesla cars, and EVgo is the first public fast-charging network to offer native
compatibility with Tesla vehicles. Tesla also designs its connectors, including adaptors for AC Level 1 and 2 (J1772) and
a CHAdeMO to Tesla Adaptor for DC charging. The SAE J1772 connector, or “J Plug,” is used for Level 1 and Level 2 AC
charging, which are slower than DC Fast Charging and primarily for short-term use.
Energy Meter, EM340 Series, Energy Meter, Modular, DIN Power Meter, PowerLogic
DIN Rail, Three Phase, Pulse Rail, Three Phase, 6 A, 57.7 PM5000 Series, Three Phase,
Output, 400 Vac to 500 Vac, Class B, Pulse 100Vac to 480Vac, Serial,
Output, Modbus Ethernet, Modbus, TCP
Order Code
2435572
15) Microcontroller
The MCU/MPU will play a key role in enabling a scalable future for EV charging, acting as a combination of system monitors
for data quality and charging levels while providing a secure gateway for insights into payment and vehicle data. The EV
charging station controller ensures high efficiency, accuracy, and security by connecting a simulated EVSE to a cloud-
based application. The controller supports device-to-cloud and cloud-to-device communications, accurate energy billing,
and one-tap NFC authentication. It connects to the cloud over Ethernet or WiFi. The controller board uses security
and external communications blocks for high-level communications and protocol stacks. It may also include contactless
communication for cashless payments and installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
IOT Plug and Trust Secure IOT Plug & Trust Secure
Element, 1.62 to 3.6V Supply, Element, 1.62 V to 3.6 V, -40
HX2QFN-20, -40 to 105°C to 105 °C, HX2QFN-20
4235985 3955231RL
Electric Vehicle Charging – A Comprehensive Guide 19
Connector
Lock
Fast-Charger, Wallbox,
PLC/ETH
OPTIREG™ PMIC
Smarthome
Flap Lock
WiFi/BT
Status Indicator
Microcontroller LED LITIX™
CAN
Transceiver
Vehicle
WiFi/BT
Connection
Ethernet TPM OPTIGA™
Touch Screen
Interface
Interfacing Options
The charger cable is a critical component in e-mobility, serving as a core element of the charging infrastructure,
forming the physical link between the charging station or wall box and the electric vehicle. It directly impacts EV
owners’ user experience and satisfaction with its ease of use, durability, and performance. The charger cables are
engineered with safety features to mitigate risks associated with charging. These cables are designed to withstand
diverse environmental conditions, including temperature variations and exposure to elements, ensuring the reliability
of assessing operations in different scenarios. Compatibility and standards are essential for charging cables, as they
adhere to specific standards, promoting interoperability and broadening the accessibility of charging Infrastructure.
All DC chargers extensively communicate using the pilot connection between the EV and charger. Such communication
is needed for correct and complete mating, the initial state of charge, appropriate charge rate, and a cut-off when
completed or if a fault occurs, such as battery temperature becoming too high.
1) Wired communication
QUAD RECEIVER RS-232 14- USB Interface, USB Host USB Interface, USB-UART
PIN SOIC N RAIL Controller / Android Host, Converter, USB 2.0, 2.97 V,
USB 1.1, 2.0, 2.97 V, 3.63 V, 5.5 V, QFN, 20 Pins
LQFP, 32 Pins
CAN Interface, CAN FD CAN Interface, J2411, CAN UART Interface, Serial UART,
Transceiver, 5 Mbps, 4.75 V, Transceiver, 100 Kbps, 5 V, 1 Channels, 230 Kbaud, 2.7
5.25 V, SOP-J, 8 Pins 27 V, SOIC, 8 Pins V, 5.5 V, DIP
UART Interface, Serial UART, UART Interface, Serial to UART Interface, Serial UART,
1 Channels, 5 Mbps, 3 V, 3.6 Parallel UART, 2 Channels, 1 Channels, 1 Mbaud, 4.5 V,
V, TSSOP 480 Mbps, 1.62 V, 1.98 V, 5.5 V, LCC
QFN
3367206 3291111
2) Wireless communication
2400511 2762693
1) Display Interface
Display Driver, LED, 8 Digits, TFT-LCD Power Supply w/ Display Driver, LCD, 32
7 Segment, 4 to 5.5 V, 4 VCOM Buffer, 4-Channel, Segments, 3 V to 8.5 V,
Wire, Serial, -40 to 85 °C, 2.65 V to 5.5 V Supply, CMOS & TTL, Serial Interface,
WSOIC-24 TQFN-EP-32 LCC-44
Display Driver, LCD, Serial, Display Driver, LCD 144 Interface, HDMI, I2C, Linear
264 Segments, 2.7 to 6 V, Segment, Multi-function, 2.5 Redriver, HWFLGA-36, -20
-40 to 85 °C, QFP-80 V to 5.5 V, Serial Interface, °C to 85 °C
TSSOP-48
2517394 3755386
2) Touchscreen controller
Order Code
2373292
4. CONCLUSION
This EV charging solution e-book is an in-depth resource for understanding EV charging systems. It covers various
charging technologies, from slow to fast, and offers insights into planning and deployment. The e-book explores key
components like EMI filters, power factor correction stages, and DC-DC converters. It also presents a curated product
selection from element14 and its channel partners, addressing current needs and paving the way for clean, efficient
mobility.
24 Electric Vehicle Charging – A Comprehensive Guide
For more resources on EV charging from element14, click on the below links:
e-techjournal ev-charging
EV Charging Standards: How SPI isolated How to boost Level-3 EV How to design a
Ensuring Compatibility communication helps charging with the proper Bidirectional Buck-
and Safety in the Charging BMS in EVs connectivity Boost Converter for EV
Process Application
Implementing Inter- Powering Up with Safety The benefits and Wireless Power Transfer:
Module Communications and Ease: The Art of EV challenges of electric A Convenient and
in EV Battery Systems Charger Design vehicles Efficient Solution for EV
Charging
Electric Vehicle Charging – A Comprehensive Guide 25