Electric cars: Mobile DC Chargers are primarily designed for electric vehicles. These include all types of electric cars, such as Teslas, Nissan Leafs, Chevrolet Bolts, and BMW i3s.
A Mobile DC Charger is a portable device that converts alternating current (AC) from a power source to direct current (DC) to charge batteries or power DC-operated devices. It is commonly used for charging mobile phones, laptops, and other portable devices while on the go. The charger is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it ideal for travel. It often comes with multiple charging ports, allowing users to charge several devices simultaneously. It is a convenient and efficient solution for keeping devices powered up.
Electric cars: Mobile DC Chargers are primarily designed for electric vehicles. These include all types of electric cars, such as Teslas, Nissan Leafs, Chevrolet Bolts, and BMW i3s.
Electric motorcycles: Some mobile DC chargers may also be compatible with electric motorcycles, such as the Zero Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson LiveWire, and Energica Ego.
Electric buses: Mobile DC chargers can also be used to charge electric buses. These may include models from manufacturers like Proterra, BYD, and New Flyer.
Electric trucks: Certain mobile DC chargers might also support electric trucks, including those manufactured by companies like Tesla (Semi), Rivian (R1T), and Nikola (Nikola One).
Portable charging: A mobile DC charger is designed to be portable, allowing users to take it with them on the go. It enables charging of electric vehicles in locations where fixed charging infrastructure is not available or accessible.
DC fast charging: Mobile DC chargers offer fast charging capabilities, delivering high-power direct current (DC) to electric vehicles. This allows for significantly shorter charging times compared to standard AC charging, making it convenient for quick top-ups or charging during travel.
Compatibility with various EVs: Mobile DC chargers are typically designed to be compatible with different electric vehicle models and charging standards, such as CHAdeMO or CCS. They can support a wide range of electric cars, motorcycles, buses, and even some electric trucks, providing charging options for various types of EVs.
User-friendly interface: Mobile DC chargers often come with user-friendly interfaces, such as display panels or smartphone apps, that provide information about the charging process, including charging voltage, current, and battery status. These interfaces make it easy for users to monitor and control the charging session.
Safety features: Mobile DC chargers incorporate safety features to ensure safe and reliable charging. This can include protection against overcharging, overheating, short circuits, or voltage fluctuations. Some chargers may also have built-in temperature sensors or status indicators to help prevent potential hazards during charging.
Flexibility and versatility: Mobile DC chargers provide flexibility in terms of charging location, making them suitable for various scenarios such as roadside emergencies, outdoor events, off-grid locations, or temporary charging needs. They can be powered by different input sources, including electrical outlets, generators, or renewable energy sources like solar panels, providing versatility in charging options.
Connector Type: Ensure the charger has the correct connector for your vehicle. Common connectors for DC fast charging include CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO, and Tesla's proprietary connector.
Vehicle Compatibility: Verify that the mobile DC charger is compatible with your EV's charging system. Some EVs may support only specific types of fast charging.
Power Output: DC chargers come in various power outputs, typically ranging from 20 kW to over 350 kW. Higher power output means faster charging but also requires a suitable power source.
EV Charging Rate: Check your vehicle's maximum DC charging rate. There's no benefit in a 150 kW charger if your car can only handle 50 kW.
Size and Weight: Mobile DC chargers are generally larger and heavier than Level 1 or 2 chargers. Consider how portable the charger needs to be based on your use case.
Mobility Features: Look for features like wheels, handles, and compact design to facilitate transportation and ease of use.
Input Power: Ensure the mobile DC charger can connect to a suitable power source, such as a generator or an industrial power outlet. Some models may require three-phase power.
Battery-Powered Options: Some mobile DC chargers come with integrated batteries, allowing for more flexibility and off-grid charging.
Weatherproofing: A high IP rating (e.g., IP65) indicates good protection against dust and water, important for outdoor use.
Material Quality: Robust construction and high-quality materials ensure longevity and reliability.
User Interface: A clear display and easy-to-use controls can enhance the user experience by providing charging status, power usage, and error messages.
Smart Features: Advanced chargers may offer remote monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app integration, and smart scheduling.
Certifications: Ensure the charger has necessary safety certifications (e.g., UL, CE) to meet regulatory standards.
Safety Features: Look for protections against overcurrent, overvoltage, overheating, and short circuits to ensure safe operation.
An AC (Alternating Current) mobile EV charger supplies AC power to the electric vehicle, which the car’s onboard charger then converts to DC (Direct Current) to charge the battery. These chargers are typically slower, suitable for home use or places where charging speed is not critical.
A DC mobile EV charger, on the other hand, directly supplies DC power to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the onboard converter and allowing for much faster charging. These chargers are more powerful and are often used in public fast-charging stations or for quick charging on the go.
DC fast chargers are known for their speed and efficiency. Depending on the charger’s power output and the EV’s battery capacity, they can typically charge an electric vehicle to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes. For example:
A 50kW DC fast charger can add approximately 200-250 km (124-155 miles) of range per hour.
Higher-powered chargers, like 150kW or 350kW, can deliver even faster results, sometimes adding up to 300-400 km (186-248 miles) in just 15-30 minutes, provided the EV supports such high charging rates.
The actual charging time depends on factors like the vehicle’s battery size, the charger’s capability, and the state of charge (SOC) at the time of charging.