Siemens System Charges Four EVs Simultaneously

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has released a new variant of the Sicharge D electric vehicle (EV) fast charger, expanding the platform rating to 400 kW (40°C ambient) for markets governed by IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards.

When paired with the companion Sicharge D dispenser, the combined system can charge up to four vehicles simultaneously from a single grid connection, reducing charge times and space requirements for charge point operators (CPO).  

Sicharge D electric vehicle fast charger. Image used courtesy of Siemens

The Sicharge D platform is designed to support multiple vehicle types, from passenger EVs to commercial e-trucks. Applications include destination charging, public fast charging, and highway charging.  

DC Fast Charging

DC fast, or Level 3, charging is the highest power and fastest charging modality currently available for EVs. Level 3 fast chargers bypass an EV’s onboard charger and connect directly to the vehicle’s high-voltage DC battery bus (800 V or more), delivering hundreds of kW of power to replenish most vehicle battery packs in less than an hour.     

The architecture of a DC fast charger typically consists of a three-phase power factor correction circuit (AC front end) that conditions AC line power to DC. This is followed by a transformer-isolated DC-DC converter that delivers regulated DC power to the EV’s battery bus.   

Architecture of a DC fast charger. Image used courtesy of onsemi

Charging Multiple Vehicles

To expand its vehicle charging capabilities, the Sicharge D platform consists of two modules: the Sicharge D charger and Sicharge D dispenser. The Sicharge D charger is the primary charger and converts three-phase utility AC power (400 V at 50/60 Hz) to DC for charging the vehicle’s battery pack. The Sicharge D dispenser is a companion unit that receives regulated DC power from the charger unit and dispenses this power through two additional charge ports.    

With two available charge ports each for the charger and dispenser, the Sicharge platform can charge up to four vehicles at the same time from a single utility connection, reducing the cost and space requirements for CPOs. For the charge ports, the platform uses CCS2 outlets available with non-cooled or liquid-cooled cables as required by the charger model’s power rating.  

Sicharge D fast charger and dispenser (four ports total). Image used courtesy of Siemens

The Sicharge D can deliver up to 1000 V of DC charge power, and the new variant expands the platform's power rating to 400 kW, enough power to charge most EVs in less than one hour. Using a liquid-cooled cable, the SICHARGE D can provide up to 500 A of charge current. 

Charging for Diverse Use Cases and Vehicle Types

With models available from 160 kW to 400 kW, the Sicharge D platform is suitable for passenger vehicles and commercial truck EV charging.

The expanded charging platform's use cases include destination charging (longer duration at lower power) at workplaces, hotels, and restaurants and fast charging at full-rated power (400 kW) for highway public charging.

Use cases for Sicharge D. Image used courtesy of Siemens

According to Markus Mildner, CEO of eMobility at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, faster enroute charge times, enabled by high-power charging platforms like Sicharge D, are essential to the broader adoption of eMobility platforms.