DESIGN
WOMEN IN TECH E-MOBILITY: CHARGING
With transportation accounting for over 20% of global CO2 emissions in 2020 and 17% of all greenhouse gas emissions (according to Statista), decarbonisation is essential in this sector. However, the massive challenge facing those who work within the transportation market, particularly suppliers, is to facilitate growth in the use of electric vehicles (EVs) while still giving end users a ‘gas station’ like experience. Take-up will only increase in line with global plans if the shift to EVs is made as smooth and painless as possible. Enabling fast charging station makers to accelerate deployment
B y 2030, Deloitte has predicted that there will be over 30 million EV sales
the US’s electric transportation industry by supplying very high technology energy meters that will enable the North American EV charging infrastructure to expand and meet demand. Two main methods of powering an EV are available – alternate current (AC) chargers and direct current (DC) chargers. Known as Mode 3 (level 2) for EVs, AC chargers are the most common charging solution on the market, enabling a vehicle to be charged directly via a standard home socket or community-based charging unit. Among the benefits of AC charging technology are affordability (due to a less complex electrical architecture), small footprint and transportability. However, downsides include limitations in terms of power delivered, with AC chargers only capable of providing between 3.7 and 44kW, and charging power limited by the power of the conversion that takes place in the EV’s on-board charger (OBC). Because EV batteries have to be charged with a DC current, an AC/DC inverter must be fitted to every vehicle to carry out the required conversion and this can mean EV charging times of between two and 12 hours. This isn’t the case when using DC chargers, also known as Mode 4 (level 3) or direct current fast charging (DCFC) devices. Providing 600V with a maximum current of 400A, DC chargers offer the benefit of converting AC from the grid into DC before it is delivered to the EV, which means the
around the world, with the US representing 14% of the global EV market (Europe 27% and China 49%). However, while advances in battery technology forge ahead in this sector, there is a major factor that could put the brakes on this brave new dawn – the availability of a sound charging infrastructure. Charging stations not only need to be readily accessible but they also need to be capable of charging vehicles in the shortest time possible and enabling EVs to travel maximum distances between ‘refuelling’. Another issue is how those who develop a charging infrastructure
By Mathieu Beguin, Global Product Manager at LEM
are able to ensure they can bill users fairly and accurately. In short, charging stations need to be plentiful, rapid, reliable, safe, affordable and smart. High technology energy meters Working to make all of this possible is LEM who has been providing components for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) across Europe since 2020. The company is now actively supporting key players in
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