DC Charging Infrastructure
Powering the Future of Electric Vehicles
The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is more than just a trend — it’s a movement towards sustainability and energy efficiency trough the energy transition. As we get more electric vehicles, DC charging infrastructure plays a important role in supporting the rapid development of this sector. Efficient and scalable DC charging solutions are essential for reducing charging times and improving the attractiveness of electric vehicles.
Why DC Charging?
DC charging has emerged as the preferred option for fast, efficient, and future-proof electric vehicle (EV) charging especially in public and commercial settings. Reasons for this among others are:
– Direct power delivery: DC charging eliminates the need for an onboard AC-to-DC converter, allowing for direct energy transfer to the vehicle’s battery. This streamlined process leads to faster and more efficient charging. For instance, power from renewable sources like solar panels can be delivered directly without conversion losses.
– Higher power output: DC chargers typically offer significantly higher power outputs compared to AC chargers, resulting in much faster charging times. This makes them ideal for public stations and high-demand commercial use where speed is essential.
– Bi-directional energy flow: DC charging supports bi-directional energy transfer, enabling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. Electric vehicles can send energy back to the grid during peak demand, which enhances grid stability and supports dynamic load management and peak shaving.
– Smart grid integration: DC charging enables easier integration with renewable energy sources and smart grids. It facilitates real-time energy management, helping balance supply and demand more effectively.
This combination of speed, efficiency, and grid integration makes DC charging a key component in the future of electric mobility.
Regulatory Requirements for Public DC Charging
DC charging stations must meet various regulatory requirements across different markets to ensure compliance and consumer protection. Below is an overview of key regulations in major regions:
German Calibration Law (Eichrecht): In Germany, public charging stations must comply with strict guidelines under the Eichrecht, ensuring transparent and accurate billing. A key requirement is the encryption of data to guarantee that energy measurements cannot be tampered with. Additionally, the display of consumption data must be visible to the user at all times.
MID (Measuring Instruments Directive): Across the EU, DC chargers must comply with the MID 2014/32/EU directive, ensuring the accuracy of measuring devices used for billing. This includes requirements for conformity with standards like EN 50470-4 and IEC 62052-31 for DC energy meters.
UL Certification: In North America, UL 61010 certification is essential for safety in measurement and control applications. It ensures that DC chargers meet strict safety standards for electrical equipment, protecting users from electrical hazards.
French Calibration Law: France enforces its own calibration laws for public charging stations, ensuring transparency in energy measurements. Compliance with Décision n° 22.00.570.001.1 du 1er mars 2022 is mandatory for stations operating in the French market, similar to the requirements under German Eichrecht.
These regulations ensure and secure transparent charging for consumers, regardless of the market. AST’s DC Meters are designed to fully comply with these stringent requirements, providing a reliable solution for legally compliant energy measurement and billing.
At AST, we unterstand...
… that the future of mobility depends on more than just electric vehicles – we need robust, sustainable, and compliant charging solutions. Our DC Meters are designed to support the rapid growth and scalability of the DC charging infrastructure by offering accurate, legally compliant energy measurement that meets stringent global standards like Eichrecht, MID, and UL.
Our DC Meters are future-proof, as it evolves constantly to meet the dynamic needs of the market. By producing advanced components for charging stations and actively supporting our customers in the seamless integration of our products, we ensure a positive impact on sustainability.
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Applications
DC charging technology covers a wide range of performance levels, depending on the type of vehicle and application. Here’s an overview of the different levels for key DC charging solutions.
– DC Wallboxes: Typically designed for home or small commercial use, DC wallboxes offer charging power in the range of 40-80 kW. These systems are ideal for private or semi-public applications, offering a faster alternative to AC charging without the need for high-power infrastructure. This is, where our DC200 comes in to game.
– DC Fast Charging Stations: Fast chargers typically start at 120 kW and are suitable for public charging stations and high-traffic areas where speed is essential. They provide significantly higher charging speed. The DC650 from AST is tailored for this application, delivering precise energy measurements at high power levels.
– Megawatt Charging Systems: The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is designed to deliver extremely high charging power, typically starting from 1000 kW and beyond. This system is essential for heavy-duty electric vehicles such as trucks and buses, where high-capacity batteries require rapid charging to minimize downtime. AST’s DC1500 is built to handle the extreme power demands of MCS.