Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with more and more people switching to electric cars as they become more affordable and accessible. One important component of electric cars is the on board charger, which is responsible for converting AC power from the charging station into DC power that can be stored in the vehicle's battery.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at on board charger for the US market and explore some of the key features and considerations to keep in mind.

Types of On board Charger

There are two main types of onboard chargers: AC and DC. AC chargers are the most common and are designed to charge the battery using the standard AC power that is available in most homes and businesses. DC chargers, on the other hand, are designed to charge the battery using DC power from a fast-charging station.

In the US market, most EVs come with an onboard AC charger, which is typically rated between 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW. This means that it takes between 4 and 8 hours to fully charge the battery using a standard 240-volt Level 2 charging station.

Charging Times

When considering an on board charger for your electric car, one of the most important factors to consider is charging time. The charging time will depend on the capacity of the onboard charger, the battery size of the vehicle, and the power output of the charging station.

For example, a vehicle with a 6.6 kW on board charger will take approximately 2 hours to fully charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charging station. On the other hand, a vehicle with a 3.3 kW onboard charger will take approximately 4 hours to fully charge on the same charging station.

Compatibility with Charging Stations

Another important consideration when selecting an onboard charger is compatibility with charging stations. Most charging stations in the US market are designed to work with Level 2 charging, which means that they are compatible with onboard chargers that are rated between 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW.

However, it is important to ensure that the onboard charger is compatible with the specific charging station that you plan to use. This can be done by checking the charging station's specifications and ensuring that it is compatible with the onboard charger's power output.

Cost and Efficiency

Finally, it is important to consider the cost and efficiency of the onboard charger. While most EVs come with an onboard charger as standard, some models offer upgraded options with higher power outputs and faster charging times.

However, it is important to weigh the cost of the onboard charger against the potential benefits in terms of charging time and convenience. In addition, it is important to consider the efficiency of the onboard charger, as a more efficient charger will reduce the cost of charging over time.

In conclusion, onboard chargers are an essential component of electric cars, and selecting the right onboard charger for your needs is crucial. By considering factors such as charging time, compatibility with charging stations, and cost and efficiency, you can ensure that you choose an onboard charger that meets your needs and helps you get the most out of your electric vehicle.