An EV on-board battery charger

A battery charger for electric vehicles (EV) is described. This charger is designed to provide the minimum recharge time by completely utilizing the available power sources. Charging rates up to 10 kW are supported. The required external infrastructure is also minimized so that charging may safely occur without specialized equipment. The power sources utilized are as flexible as possible to permit charging at as many places as possible. Additionally a DC power source, such as another EV, can be used as the power source permitting safe energy transfer between vehicles. The charging circuitry is lightweight and small, 37 pounds and 720 cubic inches, since the charger is on board the vehicle. Efficiency has been optimized, to reduce the need for heavy heat sinks and to maximize the energy available for charging. A microprocessor controls the charging process and tracks state of charge for several battery electrochemistries.