Benchmarking DC Fast Chargers: A Comparative Analysis of Power Converter Structures for Wide Voltage Range

Abstract:
Advancements in DC fast chargers are pivotal for accelerating the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), particularly by enhancing charger efficiency and cost-effectiveness within a wide output voltage range (150 V to 1000 V). This paper benchmarks three predominant DC/DC converter structures—singlestage, two-stage, and relay matrix—against consistent performance metrics to determine the most effective configuration for fast charging applications. Employing a standardized evaluation framework, we compare these systems based on their power efficiency and overall cost implications under wide output voltage range operation. Our findings indicate that the two-stage converter configuration provides the optimal balance, offering high efficiency across this broad voltage range while maintaining cost-effectiveness. These insights are crucial for refining the design of DC fast charger to meet future technological and commercial benchmarks.