A question about how to protect a battery of an electric car?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the optimal charging methods for electric car batteries, specifically comparing high ampere charging versus high voltage charging. Participants explore various aspects of battery technology, charging profiles, and the implications of different charging methods on battery life and performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that using the built-in charger of an electric vehicle is the best approach due to the complexity of battery chemistries.
  • There is a claim that high voltage charging may be less damaging to batteries compared to high ampere charging, although this is debated.
  • One participant emphasizes that different battery chemistries require specific charging profiles, and deviating from these can shorten battery life.
  • Another participant notes that voltage and current are interrelated, making it difficult to choose between high voltage and high current without considering their relationship.
  • Technical details are provided regarding the power requirements for charging, including examples of voltage and current combinations needed to achieve specific power levels.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality and safety of high current charging due to the need for heavier and more expensive wiring.
  • Some participants reference external sources for further information on battery charging and technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best charging method, with no consensus reached. While some agree on the importance of using manufacturer-designed chargers, others question the validity of the original question regarding high voltage versus high ampere charging.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of battery charging, noting that the optimal method can depend on various factors including battery chemistry and application. There are unresolved questions about the implications of different charging methods on battery longevity and performance.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those involved in electric vehicle technology, battery design, or anyone seeking to understand the nuances of battery charging methods.

hagopbul
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Hello all:

I have a question about electric car battery ?

What is the best charging method for the battery ?

Is it high ampere charging or high voltage charging ?
Thanks in advance
H
 
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hagopbul said:
What is the best charging method for the battery ?
The best way is to use the built-in charger in the Electric Vehicle. There are many different battery chemistries and configurations:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle_battery
Are you wanting to make your own custom charger? Why? And what is your previous experience in designing battery chargers?
 
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berkeman said:
And what is your previous experience in designing battery chargers / bombs?
The car manufacturer is the best person to be making chargers for your HIGH POWER FAST CHARGE FAST DISCHARGE car battery. Steer well clear unless this is just a thought experiment.
 
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If you are interested in battries in general, https://batteryuniversity.com/index.php/learn/ is a good source of information.

I totally agree with:
berkeman said:
The best way is to use the built-in charger in the Electric Vehicle.
sophiecentaur said:
The car manufacturer is the best person to be making chargers for you HIGH POWER FAST CHARGE FAST DISCHARGE car battery.
 
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My question is scientific actually :
I entered an argument that if we use high voltage that is less damaging for a battery than using high ampere

Currently battery technology is under development around the world for electric cars but long time charging are just making things hard for electric cars to sweep the market

I noticed that when ads talking about new electric cars they mention 800 v or 200kva for what they called fast or super charging technology .

So back to the question
Dose high ampere charging is better for a battery or high voltage ?
 
hagopbul said:
So back to the question
Dose high ampere charging is better for a battery or high voltage ?
There is no definitive answer to this - even when a particular technology is specified. Even with the humble Lead Acid Battery, there are are a number of different designs that are used in different applications and require different charging for optimum performance.
Have you read the Battery University, as recommended?
 
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hagopbul said:
Dose high ampere charging is better for a battery or high voltage ?
I don't think that is a well-formed question. Please give a link to what you read with that vague statement:
hagopbul said:
if we use high voltage that is less damaging for a battery than using high ampere
And please do some reading about bettery charging for the different battery chemistries. There are optimum charging profiles for each chemistry, and deviating from those profiles can shorten battery life (and shorten your life if you are standing next to a battery that you try to charge too fast).
 
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You can also google for different charging profiles.

As worded though, the question makes no sense because voltage and current are tied together. You can't pick between "high" voltage or current, if you pick one, you get the other!
 
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The battery voltage and battery charger output voltage will be regulated which sets the charger output voltage. The rate of charge is then proportional to the current available from the charger. But what voltage and current are needed to supply the charger?

An EV with 100 kW rated power is designed to transfer energy from the battery to the motor at a rate of 100 k joule per second. If we recharge it at that same rate as discharge then we need a 100 kW battery charging power supply. A typical house outlet is only rated at 2.5 kW, so it will need a special supply. There are many possible combinations of voltage and current that will supply 100 kW. Some are; 250 V @ 400 A, 500 V @ 200 A, 1 kV @ 100 A, 2 kV @ 50 A and 4 kV @ 25 A. Obviously the higher currents will need more expensive and heavier wires, so higher voltages will be an advantage. But the higher voltages are more difficult to insulate, plug in, and switch safely. So there must be a compromise with the supply to the charging circuit. The voltage will probably be less than 1 kV, supplying a maximum current of 120 A.
 
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hagopbul said:
I noticed that when ads talking about new electric cars they mention 800 v or 200kva for what they called fast or super charging technology .

Also bear in mind that the voltage supplied to a charger may be selected to minimize the cost of the wiring to supply it. It need not have any relationship to the voltage supplied to the battery.

200kva @120V means 1800 amps! That would be silly. It would require very expensive cables and circuit breakers.

My laptop charges at 19V, but the energy comes partially from Canada at voltages as high as 765KV on the way here.
 

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