By Yogesh Sapkota / Jambar Contributor
Electric vehicles have become a central focus in the electrification of transportation as the world seeks to address global environmental challenges of dependence on fossil fuel.
This article sheds light on the importance of power electronics in enhancing the efficiency of electric vehicles and the current landscape of the charging infrastructure in the U.S.
Development in battery technologies along with expansion of charging infrastructure have enabled a steady growth of EV adoption in the United States. However, the successful implementation of the large-scale EV adoption hinges on the advancement in power electronics, development and the distribution of reliable charging infrastructure.
Power electronics comprises the systems responsible for converting electric power from one form to another. The operation of any EV is dictated by the power electronics system in the vehicle with key components including Motor Drive System, Power Converters, Battery Management System and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment .
Motor Drive System consists of motors which can be Alternating Current motors like Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors and Induction Motors inverter and programmable control units. Inverters are power electronic devices made up of switching elements like SiC-FETs, GaN-FETs and they convert DC from the battery into AC to drive the motor.
The efficiency of inverters depends on these switching elements and the control algorithm. Traditionally, these controllers have been microcontrollers, but Field Programmable Gate Arrays have shown potential through their rapid prototyping, programmability and versatility.
The motor drive system is crucial for optimizing vehicle performance, energy efficiency and range. DC output from the battery is stepped down to a lower voltage level — typically 12 volts — to control lower voltage electronic modules, controller units, communication protocols and other systems. Tesla has popularized the 48-volt low voltage DC bus through its use in the CyberTruck.
BMS is another critical component that ensures the safe charge and discharge cycle, monitors battery health and temperature to ensure proper supply to the components and battery’s longevity.
The power grid cord and the On-Board Charger make up the supply equipment of EVs and are responsible for converting the AC power from the charging station into DC to charge the battery and fast charging of the battery as well. The growth of EVs in the U.S. depends on the availability of a well-distributed and reliable charging infrastructure. Typically, charging stations have three levels of charging depending on the speed, cost and infrastructure. .
The development of an extensive charging network is essential to support the growing fleet of electric vehicles on the road. Charging infrastructure in the U.S. has expanded rapidly over the last few years, but there are major issues which need to be addressed.
To ensure an accelerated growth in the EV space and for a future with sustainable outlook, significant investment and collaboration is needed between government, utility companies and private sector.
One of the primary concerns for potential buyers is range anxiety—fear of running out of the charge before reaching a charging station. It is thus paramount to structure charging infrastructure with DC fast charging stations located along the U.S. highways and rural areas.
There’s currently no universal charging standard for EVs, which might lead to incompatibility issues between different EV models and charging stations. Major automakers such Ford and General Motors have agreed to use Tesla’s North America Charging Standard charger, which will allow major automakers to use Tesla’s DC supercharging network.
The role of power electronics is crucial to ensure the functionality and efficiency of EV and charging infrastructure. As the EV market grows, the development of efficient, reliable, and widespread charging infrastructure will be crucial to ensuring the smooth transition to a sustainable future.
Power electronics will remain at the core of this revolution, enabling efficient energy conversion, faster charging times and smarter grid management for a more sustainable future of transportation.
