Global Trends in High-Power On-Board Chargers for Electric Vehicles

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive review and analyses on the state-of-the-art and future trends for high-power conductive on-board chargers (OBCs) for electric vehicles. To provide a global context, a summary of global charging standards and electric vehicle (EV) related trends are presented, which demonstrates momentum toward the OBCs with higher power rating. High-power OBCs are either unidirectional or bidirectional, and they have either an integrated or non-integrated system architecture. Non-integrated high-power OBCs are studied both from industry and academia, and the former are used to illustrate the current state of the art. The latter are classified on the basis of the converter design approach, studied for their principle of operation, and compared over power density, weight, efficiency, and other metrics. In addition to non-integrated OBCs, recent advancements in propulsion-machine integrated OBC solutions are also presented. Other integrated OBC techniques, such as system integration with the EV's auxiliary power module and wireless charging systems, are also discussed. Finally, future charging strategies and functionalities in charging infrastructures are addressed, and global OBC trends are summarized.