Voltage is a key term you often hear in relation to EVs, it’s a key parameter that drives the operation and charging capabilities of electric cars.
In this article, we look at what voltage electric vehicles run on. We will delve into the various voltage levels commonly found in EVs, the implications of different charging voltages and the safety considerations associated with high-voltage systems like electric cars.
What voltage do electric cars run on?
Electric cars in the UK run on DC electricity (although this is supplied in AC and converted to DC), with their batteries typically operating at voltages ranging from around 400 to 800 volts, depending on the make and model of the car.
The high voltage is necessary to provide the power needed to drive the electric motor and to maximize the car’s range.
When it comes to charging electric vehicles, the picture is a bit different. Standard EV home chargers in the UK typically run on alternating current (AC) and use a 230-volt supply (standard household voltage) or a 400-volt supply for a three-phase system, often with a dedicated circuit. These can typically deliver power at around 3.6 for an EV Granny Charger to 7.4 kW for a dedicated home charger and are commonly used for overnight charging at home.
Rapid chargers, found at public charging stations, use high-power DC charging and can operate at much higher voltages and currents (often 50 kW and above, up to 350 kW for the fastest chargers) to provide a much quicker charge – often around 80% in 30-60 minutes.
These systems convert the AC power from the grid into DC power that can be directly stored in the car’s battery.
What does voltage mean?
Voltage, often denoted by the letter “V”, is a measure of the electric potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. When you consider electricity, you can see it as the ‘electrical pressure’ that pushes electric current (measured in amperes, or amps) through a circuit.
You can think of a circuit as a garden hose, where voltage is equivalent to the water pressure in the hose. Just as water pressure drives water to flow through the hose, electrical voltage drives electric current to flow through the circuit.
The unit of voltage is the volt, which is defined as one joule of energy per coulomb of charge. This essentially means that one volt is the amount of electric potential that would move one coulomb of electric charge to do one joule of work.
Voltage can exist in either of two types of electrical systems: Direct Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC). DC voltage maintains a constant polarity and direction, while AC voltage reverses its direction in a periodic fashion.
Voltage Vs Current explained
Voltage in EVs refers to the electric potential difference supplied to the vehicle’s components, such as the battery, motor, and onboard systems. The voltage determines the amount of energy that can be stored in the battery and then delivered to power the motor. EVs typically operate at higher voltages, ranging from 400 to 800 volts, which allows for efficient energy transfer and improved performance.
Current in EVs refers to the flow of electric charges within the vehicle’s electrical system. It represents the rate at which energy is consumed or supplied by the components. The current is determined by the voltage and the resistance of the circuit. In EVs, the current is responsible for powering the motor and other electrical systems, such as lights, air conditioning, and infotainment. It is also involved in the charging process when transferring energy from the charging infrastructure to the EV’s battery.
In the context of EVs, voltage determines the energy capacity of the electrical parts, while current represents the flow of electric powering the vehicle’s systems.
What does Electric Car voltage mean?
In electric cars, voltage is a key aspect of the function and performance of the vehicle, particularly in terms of the car’s battery and motor:
- Battery
The battery in an electric vehicle stores electrical energy in a chemical form. When the vehicle is in use, this energy is converted back into electrical energy, generating a flow of electrons, or electric current.
The force or “pressure” driving this flow of electricity is the voltage. The battery’s voltage is determined by its design and the type of cells it uses.
A high-voltage battery can deliver the same amount of power as a low-voltage battery but with less current. This is beneficial because less current for the same power reduces the heat generated and potential energy loss, leading to more efficient performance. - Motor
The electric motor in an EV uses this voltage to create a magnetic field, which in turn generates the torque needed to move the vehicle.
The voltage supplied to the motor is managed by a component called the inverter. Higher voltages allow the motor to deliver more power, which can improve the car’s performance and efficiency. - Charging
When it comes to charging an electric vehicle, voltage plays a key role as well. Charging stations provide power in terms of voltage and current.
The onboard charger in the vehicle converts this power from AC to DC and manages the voltage and current to safely charge the battery. Faster charging requires higher voltage (and current), but this also depends on what the car’s battery management system can handle.
However, it’s worth noting that higher voltage doesn’t always mean faster charging. The vehicle’s battery management system (BMS) controls how much voltage and current the battery can safely accept without damaging the battery cells.
Voltage is an essential element in the functioning of electric vehicles, influencing everything from the storage of energy in the battery, the performance of the motor, to the charging of the vehicle.
Does it matter what voltage charger I use on my EV?
EVs are designed to be compatible with a range of charging voltages. The vehicle’s onboard charging system and battery management system (BMS) are responsible for managing the charging process and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the battery.
In general, EVs can handle charging from a variety of voltage levels. Most EVs in the UK can accept charging at different voltages, such as 230 volts (single-phase) or 400 volts (three-phase), depending on the charging infrastructure available. This flexibility allows EV owners to use a variety of charging stations, including home chargers, workplace chargers, and public chargers, which may have different voltage outputs.
Higher voltage charging stations can deliver more power, resulting in faster charging times. However, the actual charging speed is influenced by factors such as the EV’s battery capacity, charging capacity, and the charging infrastructure’s capabilities.
Is there a risk of electric shock from the high voltage in EVs?
There is a low risk of shock when using high-voltage EVs, this is because of EV safety features that are designed to mitigate such risks. EVs have multiple layers of insulation and protective measures to prevent electrical contact with high-voltage components.
Charging infrastructure in the UK, including public charging stations and home chargers, undergoes rigorous safety testing and adheres to relevant electrical safety standards.
Additionally, Smart EV chargers are equipped with safety features that ensure proper connection and communication with the vehicle before initiating the charging process. This helps prevent potential electrical hazards or malfunctions.
It is important for users to follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by the charger manufacturer and the EV manufacturer. This includes proper maintenance of the charging equipment, EV servicing and using appropriate safety precautions when handling charging cables and connectors.
The final word on what voltage EVs use
Electric vehicles typically use high voltages, ranging from 400 to 800 volts, which power the vehicle’s battery and motor systems. This higher voltage allows for efficient energy transfer, improved performance, and reduced losses during charging and driving.
When it comes to charging electric cars, the voltage of the charger plays a significant role in determining the charging speed. Standard domestic chargers in the UK operate at 230 volts, three-phase supply at 400 volts, while rapid chargers at dedicated charging stations can operate at much higher voltages, delivering power quickly to recharge the battery in a matter of minutes.
The charging system of electric vehicles, including the onboard charger and battery management system, ensures compatibility with different charging voltages. This flexibility allows EV owners to use various charging infrastructure options, including home chargers, workplace chargers, rapid public chargers and free public chargers.
It’s crucial to consider safety measures associated with high-voltage systems. Electric vehicles are equipped with sophisticated insulation and safety features to minimize the risk of electric shock. Charging infrastructure in the UK undergoes stringent safety testing and complies with established electrical safety standards to provide a safe charging experience for EV owners.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
