What voltage do electric cars use?
Electric vehicles operate somewhat differently from what we've become accustomed to. Suddenly, voltage, amps, and kilowatts come into play as they do away with fossil fuels and their octanes and additives. Discover more about the voltage architecture of EVs here and what they mean to the consumer.
The electric vehicle (EV) movement has grown exponentially in recent years. While the vast majority are still unsure about it, many have adopted EVs as an economical way to move around. The initial entry cost is still rather steep when compared to direct ICE rivals, but the long-term savings can be hard to refute if you have the intent to hold onto the EV for a few years. Low service and maintenance costs complement the energy-efficient operation of an EV.
Related: Do electric cars need servicing?
The inner workings of an EV are relatively simple, with a battery supplying an electric motor with current, and this motor powering the wheels. The management of this system is a little more complex these days and much of this is controlled digitally. Which begs the question; what voltage do electric cars use?
Electric Car Voltage
The battery systems in EVs are high-voltage systems that operate on a 400-volt architecture, with a select few employing an 800-volt design. This is high enough voltage to cause issues and concerns in the event of an accident, and the necessary failsafe systems need to be put in place. You need not worry though, as EVs are tested with voltages and currents five times higher than their operational ratings. Vehicles operating in the 300 to 500 volt range are referred to as 400-volt, and those between 600 and 900 volts are deemed to be 800 volt.
A higher voltage promotes faster charging and greater efficiency, but it also requires a redesign of not only the vehicle, but the charging infrastructure needs to be strong enough to handle the 800 volt architecture. It's further complicated by the inherent nature that 800-volt batteries would not enjoy the same sort of lifespan that we're seeing from 400-volt battery packages.
Electric Car Charging Voltage
When it comes to charging an EV, the input voltage is partially responsible for how fast the vehicle can charge. The chargers themselves will offer up to 22 kW of power when supplied with a typical 210 - 220 volt AC feed. DC chargers, and fast chargers, require a 3-phase input that comes in at 400 to 415 volts.
The output voltage of these chargers varies depending on the charger's capabilities and the vehicle's ability to accept charge. Most EVs limit AC charging to 11 kW and DC charging at around 60 kW. Find out how you can locate your nearest charging station here. Some are capable of handling 22 kW AC or 120 kW DC, but expect to find these on the more expensive side of the spectrum. This means that the charging voltage can range from minuscule and negligible (for slow, trickle chargers) to 1000 volts at strong, DC fast chargers. The amount of charge that the electric vehicle can accept is limited by the vehicle's design architecture, that of 400 or 800 volt.
