A review on topologies for fast charging stations for electric vehicles

Abstract

Having a network of fast charging stations seems necessary in order to make EVs more attractive and to achieve larger uptake of them. Currently, 50 kW quick chargers that can charge a typical EV in about an hour are commercially available. However, a 240 kW fast charging level which can charge a typical EV in 10 minutes has been introduced in standards. It is expected that this high power fast chargers will be available in near future. A charging station must supply charging power in multi-megawatt levels when multiple EVs are being fast charged simultaneously. Here, charging station topology plays a crucial role in enabling future growth and providing fast charging with best quality of service, lowest cost and minimum grid impact. This paper presents a topological survey of charging stations available in the literature. Various charging station topologies are presented, compared and evaluated based on grid support, power density, modularity and other factors.