How Does an EV Charging System Work?

As with all innovations, with new inventions comes new challenges. This includes the difficulty in offering reliability with all electric vehicles (EVs) due to the scarcity in EV charging stations.

What is an EV Charging System?

An EV charging system is any combination of devices that an electric vehicle uses to receive electric supply for vehicle charging.

This includes:

• the charging station (EVSE)

• the charging ID

• the instruction detailing the billing processes

• the software and the counter

• passive and active electric safety devices

Features of an EV Charging System

Power Source – Electricity can come from the grid, sun-solar-based panel systems, or stored batteries.

Charging Station (EVSE) – This unit is designed for the administration of proper quantitative standards and restrictions, in addition to the authenticated electric payment processes.

Connector Types – Common standards include CCS, CHAdeMO, GB/T, Tesla NACS, Type 1 (SAE J1772) and Type 2 (Mennekes).
There are also numerous software processes and closed systems which employ the OCPP standard of interfacing that charging points use to interact through a remote mast or a hub.

How Does an EV Charger Work?

EVs and plug-in vehicles come with a plug-in charger that connects to the vehicle’s charging port.

• Authentication – For some systems, this is done with RFID cards, a mobile app, or requires no action at all.

• Communication – The charger and the vehicle battery exchange information about the battery status, the voltage level, and the cut-off limit of charging.

• Energy Flow – Electric current is transferred safely to the vehicle battery.

• Monitoring – The system adjusts current flow speed and temperature to keep the vehicle safe.

• Completion – Charging stops automatically when the battery is fully charged or when the driver unplugs the charger.

Types of EV Charging

AC Charging (Level 1 & Level 2)

• The EV’s onboard charger converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

• Most convenient for overnight charging at home or in the workplace.

DC Fast Charging (Level 3)

• Converts AC to DC directly inside the charger.

• Delivers DC power to the vehicle battery for rapid charging.

• Most convenient for highways, fleets, and other commercial uses.