Impact of Electric Vehicle Charging to Power Factor

[HelvinHermanT]

What is the Impact of Electric Vehicle Charging to Power Factor of the Electrical Installation ?

[RHH-Eltechna]

Hello Helvin,

I don't think it influences much anymore in our regions due to EU regulations regarding PFC (Power Factor Correction). I suppose more and more units which adjust/toxicate the power factor are supplied with this tech due to these regulations.

I guess/bet this is also the case with the verhicle charging industry?

[victorarce · Accepted solution]

Hello @HelvinHermanT 

If it's an AC charger, the impact should rather be on the EV side (the car), not the EVSE (charger). The cos Phi generator is on the EVSE side for DC chargers.

Then, it would depend on the EV model, but we can estimate Power Factor between 0.8 and 1, with a typical current distortion rate is around 20%.

If you are interested, we can obtain an extract from the standards for cars where the limits are set regarding current distortion.

Thanks,

[victorarce · Accepted solution]

For AC charging stations, 99% of the current consumed is that consumed directly by the vehicle. In this case, the harmonic limits are defined by IEC 61851-21-1 §5.3.2 which is specific to on-board vehicle chargers. In particular (see picture)