A DC car charger, which is essentially an on-board charger within an EV, converts AC power from the electric grid into DC power to charge the vehicle's battery. Here's a breakdown:
Electric vehicles (EVs) store power in their batteries as direct current (DC). However, the electrical grid primarily supplies alternating current (AC). This difference necessitates a conversion process.
- AC to DC Conversion: The primary function of a DC car charger is to convert AC power to DC power.
- On-Board Charger: EVs are equipped with an on-board charger that handles this AC-to-DC conversion. This internal charger takes the AC power from the grid and transforms it into a suitable DC voltage to charge the EV's battery.
- Direct Battery Charging: After conversion, the DC power is then fed directly to the vehicle's battery, replenishing its charge.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | AC power from the electric grid enters the on-board charger. |
| 2 | The on-board charger converts AC power into DC power. |
| 3 | DC power is fed to the EV's battery for charging. |
In summary, the on-board charger acts as a crucial intermediary, ensuring the EV's battery receives the correct type of power for efficient and safe charging.
