Fast charging: An in-depth look at market penetration, charging characteristics, and advanced technologies

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are now available in many North American and European markets, with more models expected to become available to consumers in the coming years. These vehicles will present utilities with opportunities as well as challenges as their numbers potentially grow to hundreds of thousands of vehicles connected to the electric grid for charging. In order to support PEV adoption in the market place, it is expected that consumers will demand faster charge rates especially for the all electric vehicles. Faster charge rates require higher power electrical charging systems and the infrastructure to support these fast charging systems. With a view to comprehensively understand the impact of DC fast charging on the customer as well as the electric utility, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has been conducting detailed research into the market potential, technical capabilities, and installation costs. Demand charges and installation costs are currently the most significant barriers widespread adoption of fast charging. Creating a sustainable business case for fast charging will require economics that match utilization. This paper will discuss these findings in depth and will also provide an update on the status of DC fast charging related standards. With a view to address these shortcomings, EPRI has developed a direct medium-voltage fed all solid-state fast charging system, the Utility Direct Medium Voltage Fast Charger (UDFC). Such a system would allow the charging system to be connected directly to the medium voltage system, offer multiple ports so that total charging capacity can be intelligently shared between multiple vehicles at once, simplify installation and increase overall system efficiency. This paper will also present an overview of this concept and its benefits.