Note: This is a core component of electric vehicles and differs from the previously mentioned “car charger.” An On-board Charger (OBC) is a dedicated high-voltage, high-power device permanently installed inside an electric vehicle, converting the AC power supplied by an AC slow-charging station into DC power for charging the traction battery.
Core Function: Completes AC-to-DC conversion and controls the charging process of the high-voltage traction battery.
System Importance: A key component beyond the “three-electric” system of electric vehicles, determining the charging power and efficiency of AC slow charging.
High Power Ratings: Common power levels include 3.3kW, 6.6kW, 11kW, and 22kW.
Bidirectional Development Trend: New-generation OBCs support V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid), enabling vehicles to function as mobile energy storage units.
High Integration: Often integrated with the High-voltage Power Distribution Unit (PDU) and DC-DC converter to form an all-in-one power domain controller.
Connect to the AC charging station.
The vehicle communicates with the charging station to confirm charging parameters.
The OBC starts operating, rectifying, filtering, boosting, and regulating the AC power.
Under the instructions of the BMS, the battery pack is charged with appropriate current and voltage.
Charging stops safely when completed or when abnormalities occur.