Powerful, Efficient Electric Vehicle Chargers
Technology Description:
Currently, charging the battery of an electric vehicle (EV) is a time-consuming process because chargers can only draw about as much power from the grid as a hair dryer. APEI is developing an EV charger that can draw as much power as a clothes dryer, which would drastically speed up charging time. APEI's charger uses silicon carbide (SiC)-based power transistors. These transistors control the electrical energy flowing through the charger's circuits more effectively and efficiently than traditional transistors made of straight silicon. The SiC-based transistors also require less cooling, enabling APEI to create EV chargers that are 10 times smaller than existing chargers.
Potential Impact:
If successful, APEI would make it faster and easier to charge EVs, helping to facilitate their widespread use.
Security:
Widespread use of EVs would reduce fossil fuel consumption and reliance on foreign sources of fuel.
Environment:
Increased use of EVs could reduce the number of gas-powered vehicles and their harmful emissions.
Economy:
Making it cheaper and easier to charge EVs would save consumers time and money.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Timothy Heidel
Project Contact:
Dr. Ty McNutt
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
tmcnutt@apei.net
Partners
Cree, Inc.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
University of Arkansas
Related Projects
Release Date:
03/02/2010