Recharging on electric vehicles
Fleet charging solutions
June 21, 2021
Gas Guzzlers & that Climate Change problem!
Rise in modern transportation networks driven by economic and urban development has led to an exponential increase in global warming prompting environmental groups and global leaders to halt climate change effects. Transportation (road, air, sea) accounts for 24% of all CO2 emissions. Of this, road transport vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, two and three wheelers) account for three-quarter of CO2 emissions from transportation (source: International Energy Association, www.iea.org). The major cause of these adverse environmental effects is due to carbon emissions, deemed harmful, released by Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) in automobiles that have dominated the road transport sector for nearly a century.Rise of Electric Mobility
One potential alternative to the world’s dependence on standard combustion engine vehicles is battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Increasingly, electric mobility is perceived as an industry disruptor in transportation steered by a mission of sustainability and clean energy. Over 10 million electric cars were globally on roads in 2020, a spectacular rise despite the Covid pandemic. According to the International Energy Agency, 18 of the 20 largest car OEMs have announced intentions to increase the number of available models and boost production of electric light-duty vehicles (LDVs).
Recharging your EV
Having an electric car today could mean you’ve developed range anxiety! Access to a charging facility to recharge your EV has never been more important. With numerous charging points across the UAE, finding charging stations should be easy. The next dilemma is having to wait while your EV recharges at an AC station while the network infrastructure is evolving and the options to fast charge your EV at the moment can only be availed at a handful locations.What is AC Charging?
An on-board charger (OBC) is used in an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to charge the traction battery. On-board charging systems (OBCs) convert AC power from an external charging source into a DC voltage that is used to charge the battery pack in the vehicle. OBCs also perform other functions including charge rate monitoring and protection. The on-board charger, built in cars, helps to recharge the high voltage battery from the AC grid while the vehicle is parked. The benefit of on-board charging is that since it uses readily available AC power, the vehicles can be plugged into outlets installed in every building. The disadvantage of on-board chargers is that they consume space and increase the weight of the car. While vehicles are in motion, the on-board chargers have no function, and its excessive weight can only reduce range. Through continuous R&D, car manufacturers are aiming for the sweet spot that is:- Adequate mileage
- Sizable battery Capacity
- Compact On-board Charger
- Optimum Charging duration
