Comprehensive review and comparison of DC fast charging converter topologies: Improving electric vehicle plug-to-wheels efficiency

The commercial success of electric vehicles (EVs) relies heavily on the presence of high-efficiency charging stations. This paper provides an overview and a comprehensive performance comparison of the present status and future implementation plans for DC fast charging infrastructures and converter topologies. The paper also discusses critical consequences of DC fast charging stations on the AC grid. Different power converter topologies for DC fast charging are presented, compared, and evaluated, based on the power level requirements, efficiency, cost, and technical performance specifications. The paper focuses specifically on Level-3 DC fast charging converter topologies and their performance comparison. Finally, the paper presents a detailed well-to-wheels (WTW) analysis from an energy-efficiency standpoint. The most important part of this analysis focuses on the effect of usage of various charging levels and charger topologies on the all-important plug-to-battery (P2B) energy-efficiency within the overall context of WTW energy cycle efficiency.