The onboard charger technology has been around for a while now, but it has gone through a lot of changes over time. It is important to know the current status quo of onboard chargers in order to understand their future. The first thing that you need to know about on-board chargers is that they are not all created equal. There are many different types and variations of them, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, some on-board chargers are only compatible with certain types of electric vehicles, while others can charge multiple types at once.
The onboard charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is becoming an increasingly important part of EV infrastructure. In Europe and Asia, OEM agreements have become common. New players are entering the market with a variety of unique business models and charging technologies. Some are focusing on manufacturing battery supply equipment while others are looking to provide charging infrastructure without owning or operating charging equipment.
These onboard chargers are expensive and bulky, and typically have only a single direction of power flow. However, integrating bidirectional charging capabilities into these systems could result in a more efficient solution. The status quo of onboard charger technology may be challenging to maintain for the next decade or so.
AC charging continues to be the preferred type of onboard charger technology, but the emergence of high-voltage architectures could address range anxiety and improve efficiency and performance. In addition, higher-voltage architectures could result in more compact wiring and a reduced charging time. Some researchers estimate that high-voltage super charger technologies will be available by Y2026.
As the onboard charging market grows, companies will need to differentiate themselves from each other to gain a share of the market. Successful turnkey providers will offer integrated energy optimization. They will also need to have strong technical expertise, strong marketing prowess, and a quality sales force.
