A Guide to EV Charging User Interfaces
Electric vehicle (EV) users receive various pieces of information during the charging process, whether using AC or DC charging. These details are displayed at the charging inlet, on the vehicle’s driver HMI (Human-Machine Interface), or through a mobile application. Additionally, users have certain options to customize their charging process based on their requirements. This article provides an in-depth overview of the information and selection options available during EV charging.
User Interfaces at the Charging Inlet
Regardless of whether the EV is charging via AC or DC, certain indicators and controls are provided at the charging inlet:
LED Indicators
Most EVs come equipped with LED indicators near the charging port to provide a visual status update regarding the charging process. The common LED color indications include:
- White: Charging cable is not connected to the EV.
- Yellow: Charging cable is connected, and the EV is preparing for charging (e.g., authentication or communication with the charging station).
- Blinking Green: Charging is in progress.
- Solid Green: Charging is complete.
- Red: A fault has been detected, and charging has stopped.
Charging Stop or Unlock Button A button is typically provided near the charging inlet to allow the user to manually stop the charging process or unlock the charging cable if necessary.
Information Displayed on the Driver HMI and Mobile App
Both AC and DC charging sessions provide key information through the vehicle’s driver HMI and mobile app. These details help the user monitor the charging status and understand power flow.
Common Information for AC and DC Charging
- Charging Cable Connection Status: Users are notified when the charging cable is successfully connected to the EV. To ensure safety, the vehicle does not allow driving while the cable is connected.
- Charging Cable Lock Status: Indicates whether the charging cable is securely locked or unlocked at the charging inlet.
- Charging Power: Displays the power being delivered to the battery. However, users may sometimes notice a discrepancy between the power displayed on the charging station and the EV’s display. This difference arises because the charging station displays the total power supplied, whereas the EV only shows the power delivered to the battery, excluding auxiliary loads like air conditioning or battery cooling.
- Battery SOC (State of Charge): Indicates the current charge level of the battery.
- Remaining Time to Charge (Time at Charging Complete): Displays the estimated time to reach the user-selected SOC target, not necessarily 100% SOC.
- Rate of Charging: Shows the approximate range (km or miles) being added per hour of charging.
- Range of the Vehicle: Total possible range with the present accumulated energy in the vehicle.
- Faults Information: If charging is unavailable for any reason, the cause will be displayed along with possible actions to resolve the issue.
Additional Information for DC Charging
- Charging Current: Displays the DC current flowing into the battery.
- Charging Voltage: Displays the DC voltage at the battery or charging inlet. These values are typically very close during DC charging.
Additional Information for AC Charging
- Number of AC Phases: Displays whether the EV is charging using a single-phase or three-phase power supply.
- Charging Current Per Phase: Informs the user about the current flowing through each phase, ensuring the set current limit is adhered to.
- Charging Voltage: Shows the phase voltage being used for charging.
User Selection Options for Charging
EV users can customize their charging sessions based on their preferences and charging conditions. These options vary for AC and DC charging.
Common Selection Options for AC and DC Charging
- Target SOC: Users can set the SOC limit for charging. Once this level is reached, the charging session automatically stops. Some modern EVs allow the SOC limit to be set based on the distance to the destination, helping users optimize battery usage.
- Charging Cable Unlock: The user can unlock the charging cable from inside the vehicle, providing a convenient backup in case the unlock button at the charging inlet fails.
Additional Selection Options for AC Charging
- Charging Current Limit Per Phase: This allows users to set a current limit per phase, which is particularly useful in home charging scenarios to prevent household fuse overload.
- Charging Schedule: Users can schedule charging sessions by setting specific start and stop times. This feature is beneficial for charging during off-peak hours, which typically occur at midnight, to reduce electricity costs. Depending on the manufacturer, scheduling options may be available for a day, a week, or even a month.
Other Charging-Related Features
Some EVs are equipped with bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing them to discharge power for various applications:
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Enables the EV to supply power to external devices.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) or Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Allows the EV to feed power back into the electrical grid or home.
For EVs capable of discharging power, users can set a minimum SOC limit at which the discharge process should stop, ensuring sufficient battery power remains for driving.
As EV technology advances, users may have access to more detailed charging statistics, including graphical insights and real-time analytics, to enhance their charging experience.
The EV users have access to comprehensive charging information and control options, making the charging process more efficient and user-friendly. Understanding LED indicators, driver HMI, and mobile app details can help users troubleshoot issues and optimize their charging strategy. Additionally, selection options such as target SOC, current limits, and scheduling allow for a more customized and cost-effective charging experience. As EV technology evolves, these features will continue to enhance user convenience and efficiency in managing electric vehicle charging.
EV Charging Explained – Everything you need to know about Electric Vehicle Charging
