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Energy & Grid Management
Efra Farah Usmani
Efra Farah Usmani
 · Posted in Energy & Grid Management

Emerging Technologies in the Electric Vehicle Charging

  • The MegaWatt Charging System (MCS) offers exceptionally fast charging capabilities for vehicles with potential power outputs of up to 3,750kW, significantly reducing charging times for heavy-duty vehicles.
  • The CharIN association aims to establish MCS as the standard for charging heavy-duty vehicles and address the obstacle of prolonged charging times in this segment.
  • Implementation projects based on MCS technology have been conducted in Portland, Oregon, with collaborations between Daimler Truck NA and Portland General Electric.

Amid the global shift towards achieving carbon neutrality, it has become a pressing imperative to decarbonize the transport sector, responsible for nearly 30% of total carbon emissions. As a result, numerous countries and regions have set clear targets to phase out conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, embracing greener alternatives like Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs). For instance, the European Union plans to ban ICE vehicles by 2035, while the UK aims to achieve this by 2030.

However, the widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) heavily relies on the establishment of a robust charging infrastructure. Over time, the market has witnessed significant technological progress, witnessing the introduction of various charging products spanning from low-power AC chargers to high-capacity DC chargers, some boasting up to 360kW. While these innovations have brought the potential of EV technology closer to reality, ongoing enhancements in charging methodologies remain paramount to actualizing the vision of carbon neutrality and rendering EVs more accessible to the general populace.

This article will delve into some of the emerging technologies within the EV charging landscape.

Vehicle-to-Grid Technology (V2G)

V2G technology, a groundbreaking innovation, empowers electric vehicles to function as mobile batteries, capable of supplying electricity back to the grid when required. This transformative concept has been subject to numerous pilot projects, surpassing 110 in number, aimed at evaluating its commercial feasibility in residential, depot, and commercial applications. According to predictions by PTR, the growth trajectory of V2G technology is set to be remarkable, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22% from 2022 to 2030. This expansion is anticipated to encompass various domains, including apartment buildings, workplaces, depots, and select public locations, ushering in a new era of energy-sharing possibilities.

Within the EV charging segment, the practicality of V2G technology has been most evident in DC low-power chargers (ranging from 0-30kW), especially due to the limited number of vehicle models currently compatible with AC V2G chargers. Notably, companies like Wallbox, Magnum Cap, ABB etc. have taken the lead in launching DC V2G chargers, further solidifying the potential of this technology. 

Pilot projects spanning multiple countries are currently underway, with Europe and North America, notably the U.S., the UK, and the Netherlands, spearheading the charge with the highest number of initiatives. As governments and countries worldwide pledge their commitment to adopting green technology, V2G technology is poised to assume a pivotal role in supporting the grid during periods of heightened demand. For instance, California's government had to urge locals not to charge EVs during peak load situations at one instance last year. Cases like highlight the urgency for solutions like V2G to alleviate grid constraints and ensure a sustainable energy future.

Figure 1: Vehicle-to-Grid Technology - Source: PTR Inc.

 

Wireless Charging

Wireless charging technology represents a revolutionary advancement that grants Electric Vehicles (EVs) the ability to recharge without the need for physical plugging, facilitated through two distinct methods: dynamic and static charging.

Dynamic charging enables seamless charging while vehicles are in motion, transcending the traditional constraints of stationary charging stations. On the other hand, static charging takes place when cars are parked, utilizing inductive charging plates integrated into the road infrastructure. As this cutting-edge technology is still in its pilot phase, ongoing projects are being conducted in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the U.S., showcasing its global significance.

The intrinsic advantages of wireless charging make it especially well-suited for vehicles following fixed routes or having dedicated parking spots, exemplified by buses and taxis. Governments, recognizing its potential, are actively exploring the feasibility of this innovation. Notably, projects in Scotland have secured substantial funding, amounting to 1.6 Million GBP, dedicated to testing and refining this transformative technology.

In the vanguard of this wireless charging frontier, leading industry players such as Wave and Witricity have emerged, contributing to the progress and widespread adoption of this groundbreaking solution. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of reshaping the future of sustainable transportation, making EVs even more convenient and environmentally friendly. 

Figure 2: Process of wireless charging - Source: PTR Inc.

 

 

MegaWatt Charging System (MCS)

The MegaWatt Charging System (MCS) has been ingeniously engineered to unlock the potential of extraordinarily rapid charging for vehicles, thanks to its formidable high-power charging capabilities. With the vigilant guidance of the CharIN association, which governs the Combined Charging System (CCS), the MCS aspires to emerge as the definitive standard for charging heavy-duty vehicles. In stark contrast to the prevailing charging landscape where most chargers offer a maximum power output of 350-400kW, the MCS boasts an astonishing potential to deliver charging capacities reaching an impressive 3,750kW or 3.75MW. This monumental leap in charging prowess holds the transformative ability to dramatically curtail charging durations for heavy-duty vehicles.

To manifest this groundbreaking vision, implementation projects centered around the MCS have already started happening, notably in Portland, Oregon, in a dynamic collaboration between Daimler Truck NA and Portland General Electric. As the heavy-duty vehicle segment has grappled with the challenge of prolonged charging times, the widespread integration of MCS endeavors to usher in a definitive solution to overcome this formidable limitation.

Amid this pioneering drive, key industry players like Heliox are passionately engrossed in the relentless pursuit of advancing this technology, recognizing the paradigm-shifting impact it can have on the future of sustainable transportation. With MCS at the helm of transformative charging solutions, the path towards enhanced electric vehicle adoption in the heavy-duty realm is illuminated, propelling us closer to a greener and more efficient future.

Figure 3: Process of MegaWatt Charging System - Source: PTR Inc.

 

Looking Forward

In conclusion, amidst the world's ever-escalating commitment to attain carbon neutrality, the destiny of electric vehicle charging hinges upon the progression and integration of these burgeoning technologies. As we surmount obstacles and persistently refine charging methodologies, these groundbreaking innovations are poised to assume a pivotal role in expediting the worldwide shift towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious transportation paradigm.