Investigating the potential advancements for electric vehicle charging technologies through various converters topology

Abstract In the era of various automobiles, petrol and diesel vehicles proved to be the best-suited means of transportation. However, the adverse impacts of these fuels on the atmosphere have propelled the world to approach and promote electrified transportation. It is essential to comprehensively discuss various integral aspects of Electric Vehicles (EVs) especially the battery technology, battery charging schemes, standards and management. This paper discusses the importance of various new technologies proposed for the fast charging of EVs in which a detailed analysis of one such attractive and promising technology i.e., Solid-State Transformers (SST) built EV charging station. The work also reviews ample of versatile options available for the user, offered by charging systems that can handle high-power charging. The cost-effective technology, efficient power transfer, compactness and flexibility is a promising solutions for fast charging technology in which the integral parts are rectifiers and DC-DC converters which are given due emphasis in this study. These components are unidirectional and bidirectional, with simple or complex controls. A detailed discussion of these various topologies is discussed for suitable and maximum utilization of the charging system. The technologies that can offer vehicle-to-grid (V2G) enabled bidirectional power transfer, connectivity and metering suitability are discussed. These various challenges are addressed, including the development of charging technologies and infrastructure to make it easily accessible to its users. Further, a detailed discussion on the types and parts of SST involving various charging methods in line with their advantages and limitations is emphasized.