High Power Charging (HPC)

What is HPC (High Power Charging)?

HPC (high power charging) refers to a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, which works with particularly high charging capacities. In contrast to traditional charging stations HPC enables fast and efficient charging of electric vehicles by providing high outputs of several hundred kilowatt (kW) up to megawatts (MW). HPC charging currently provides maximum outputs of 350-400 kW. As a result, electric vehicles can be charged in just a few minutes instead of hours, similar to refueling an internal combustion engine.

Benefits of HPC

1. Fast charging: The high performance of HPC enables electric vehicles to charge their batteries in a very short time. As a result, the range anxiety is reduced and longer trips become more practicable. The ability to quickly charge electric vehicles helps to increase the acceptance and attractiveness of electric mobility.
2. Efficiency: HPC charging stations are designed to ensure high energy efficiency. Energy loss is minimized through optimised charging processes and the use of efficient components. This leads to better use of available energy and contributes to the sustainability of electric mobility.
3. Future security: The HPC technology is scalable and allows it to be adapted to future requirements. While current electric cars can often charge with outputs of 50 kW to 350 kW, future vehicles with even higher outputs will come onto the market. HPC charging stations are able to meet these future requirements and thus offer a long-term charging solution.

The challenges of high-power charging

1. Infrastructure: Setting up a comprehensive HPC charging infrastructure is a major challenge. It requires a significant investment in the necessary power electronics, cabling and grid connection capacity. To further promote the acceptance of e-vehicles, sufficient HPC charging stations must be installed at strategic locations, such as motorways, shopping centers and parking garages
2. Network connection: The high charging capacity of HPC also poses a challenge for network connectivity. In order to provide the high current levels, the power grids must be dimensioned and expanded accordingly. This requires close cooperation between energy supply companies, network operators and HPC charging infrastructure operators to ensure a reliable and stable power supply.
3. Expenses: Setting up and operating HPC charging infrastructure involves considerable costs. Investments in powerful charging stations and connections to the power grid are expensive. In addition, the cost of electricity itself is an important factor. To increase the attractiveness of HPC charging stations, costs for users must be competitive and possibly government incentives and funding programs must be considered.

How fast does my car charge at an HPC charging station?

High-power charging has a charging capacity of 150 kW. Of course, the charging time depends, among other things, on the charging capacity and charging curve of the electric car batteries and the charging station. However, with HPC it is possible to bring the battery level (State of Charge - SoC) from 10% to 80% within 20 minutes and thus regain a range of several hundred kilometers.

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