Smallest e-Car Charger built around SiC MOSFETs
SiC power electronics from STMicroelectronics are behind the ZapCharger Portable, claimed to be the world's smallest, smartest, and safest electric-car charging station.
Designed by Norwegian start-up Zaptec, the 3kg, 45 x 10 x 10cm electric-car charger is said to be ten times smaller and lighter than products with the comparable performance. It delivers an energy efficiency of 97 percent.
Inside the ZapCharger, are 32 high-voltage SiC Power MOSFETs from ST. The charger is fully galvanically insulated and continuously monitors the grid it is connected to. It dynamically adjusts the amount of power it delivers and can shut down immediately if it detects a fault, to protect the car. The charger offers GPRS connectivity and operates over an extended temperature range from -40degC to +55degC.
"The key for us was to find a power technology with a very high efficiency so we could reduce the overall size of the charger without compromising performance. ST's SiC offering was the perfect match," said Jonas Helmikstøl, COO, Zaptec.
"The support of ST as a strong and reliable partner helped us transform our invention into a product that dramatically changes the user experience and by allowing consumers to take their chargers anywhere eliminates 'range anxiety" and can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide."
"Leveraging the exceptional efficiency of ST SiC Power MOSFETs, ingenious solutions like ZapCharger that can enable drivers to safely charge their vehicles anywhere are set to catalyze the growth of the e-car market and the smart-energy ecosystem as a whole," said Philip Lolies, EMEA VP, marketing & Application, STMicroelectronics. "Zaptec's decision to rely on our advanced power technology confirms ST's industry leadership and enabling role in the global trend towards Greener and Smarter Living."
