pkulak
Well-known member
Seems like with EVs the charger is a big deal. 6.6 kw was a big upgrade for 2013 and the rectifiers at quick charge locations are the size of a large closet. So, based on that, I think that AC to DC is a Big Deal. Then there's the 80kw motor in the Leaf and 200+ kw motor in the Tesla that needs (I'm assuming) 3-phase AC from a DC battery. But, that seems like no big deal, so I assume that inverters are much easier to build with high capacity.
Okay, but then there's regenerative braking, which takes AC from the motor and rectifies it to DC for the battery at 20 kw in the Leaf; probably a lot more for the Model S. That just makes me wonder why Nissan can have a 20 kw rectifier for regen while only having a 3.3kw charger for every car until recently. What am I missing here? Why are high-power chargers such a big deal?
Okay, but then there's regenerative braking, which takes AC from the motor and rectifies it to DC for the battery at 20 kw in the Leaf; probably a lot more for the Model S. That just makes me wonder why Nissan can have a 20 kw rectifier for regen while only having a 3.3kw charger for every car until recently. What am I missing here? Why are high-power chargers such a big deal?