What’s Under the Hood?

What’s Under the Hood? DC Fast Chargers: Delivering Rapid Top-Ups for EVs

There are two ways to charge an EV – Via a Level 1 or 2 AC on-board charger (OBC) overnight at home, or via a DC fast charger (DCFC). DCFCs can reduce charge times down to 15-45 min for an 80% top-up.

On-Board Charging

What’s Under the Hood? Onboard Chargers: Filling Up The Electric Ride

The OBC charges the high-voltage DC battery pack from an infrastructure power grid. OBCs are responsible for three main functions: Power conversion, communication, and Li-ion charging profile.

What’s Under the Hood? EV Chargers: A Tale of Standards and Many Connectors

Explore the various standard charging power levels within EVs, the types of EV charger plugs used globally, and the types and standards of communication between vehicle and charger and the charger and the grid.

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What’s Under the Hood: Contactors Implement EV Safety

Placed beside the more keenly discussed parts of the EV powertrain are electromechanical switches, called contactors that are part of both functional and safety essentials that keep the EV running smoothly.

The Batteries that Power EVs

This chapter of Wolfspeed’s What’s Under the Hood series shines the light on the powerhouse of BEVs — the battery pack — to reveal cell characteristics, battery chemistries, and architectures, as well as hazards, protections, and control.

Silicon Carbide

What’s Under the Hood? EV Architectures & Inverters

Explore architectures for EV powertrain electrification and the two key components for the EV drivetrain, the types and placements of electric motors, and Silicon Carbide-based inverters and their switching schemes.