• Definition of charging losses and transmission losses
• Factors that affect charging losses (e.g. temperature, battery chemistry, charging speed, etc.)
• The impact of charging and transmission losses on overall charging efficiency
• Advice for buyers on how to minimize charging and transmission losses when choosing and using an EV
• Emerging technologies and solutions to improve charging efficiency in EVs.

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek more sustainable and environmentally-friendly modes of transportation.

However, not all charging experiences are created equal, and some energy is lost in the charging process, which can impact the overall efficiency of an electric vehicle. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the two main losses in electric vehicle charging: transmission losses and charging losses.

Transmission losses refer to the energy that is lost as electricity is transmitted from the charging source to the electric vehicle battery. These losses are determined by the resistance in the power cables, transformers, and other components in the charging system.

Typically, transmission losses account for less than 5% of the total energy used to charge an electric vehicle.

Charging losses refer to the energy that is lost during the charging process itself. This includes losses due to heat dissipation, power conversion inefficiencies, and other factors.

Charging losses can be impacted by a variety of factors, including temperature, battery state of charge, and charging speed. In general, charging losses tend to be highest when charging an electric vehicle battery from a low state of charge and at higher charging speeds.

Cold temperature can reduce the efficiency of a battery because it slows down the chemical reactions that produce and store energy.

At low temperatures, the viscosity of the electrolyte solution inside the battery increases, making it harder for ions to move and participate in the reaction.

Additionally, the low temperature reduces the overall reaction rate, causing a drop in battery performance. These factors combined can result in lower battery capacity and longer charging times in cold conditions.

Malaysian EV drivers are lucky that our overall daily temperature stays within, pretty much the optimum operating temperature for lithium ion batteries, although the vehicle may have to use soem energy to manage heat, especially if we charge right after prolonged rigorous driving which can raise battery temeprature beyond the optimum range.

Another factor that plays a crucial role in energy efficiency is the voltage of the vehicle.

Higher voltage cars have the potential to suffer from fewer losses as the energy can be transmitted at a higher voltage, which reduces energy losses during the transmission process.

The most common voltage levels for EVs are 400V and 800V.

If a 400V cars have a charging time of around 30 minutes for an 80% charge, an 800V carscan reach the same 80% state of charge in just 20 minutes. The higher voltage allows for a higher charging rate, and at the same time can also lead to less charging losses

Higher voltage cars suffer from less losses in charging because high voltage reduces the amount of energy lost as heat.

Energy is lost as heat due to resistance in the charging cables and electrical components.

The resistance is proportional to the square of the current, so when the voltage is increased, the current is reduced, resulting in less energy being lost as heat.

However, there are also disadvantages to choosing a higher voltage car. Firstly, 800V cars are more expensive and not as widely available as 400V cars.

When choosing the right voltage for your EV, consider your driving habits and the type of charging infrastructure that is available in your area.

If you are someone who drives long distances regularly and needs to charge your vehicle quickly, an 800V car may be a good option.

However, if you are someone who primarily drives short distances and is looking for an affordable option, a 400V car may be a better choice.

Understanding the role of voltage in reducing losses, and the different pros and cons of each voltage level, is key to maximizing energy efficiency when buying an EV. When making your decision, consider your driving habits, the type of charging infrastructure available in your area, and your budget to ensure that you choose the right voltage for your needs.

So, what can buyers do to minimize these losses and maximize the efficiency of their electric vehicle? Here are a few key factors to consider:

1. Charging temperature: As mentioned, charging losses can be affected by temperature, with lower temperatures generally leading to higher losses. Try to charge your electric vehicle in a warm environment whenever possible, or consider purchasing a battery heating system if you live in a colder climate.
2. Charging speed: The faster you charge your electric vehicle, the higher the charging losses will be. Consider charging your vehicle overnight at a slower speed to minimize losses.
3. Charging station: When choosing a charging station, look for one with a high-quality power cable and an optimized charging algorithm to minimize transmission losses. Additionally, be sure to choose a charging station that is compatible with your electric vehicle, as some charging stations may have different charging speeds or connection types.
4. Battery management system: A high-quality battery management system can help to minimize charging losses by optimizing the charging process and reducing the risk of overcharging or undercharging the battery.

While charging losses and transmission losses are an inevitable part of electric vehicle charging, buyers can take steps to minimize these losses and maximize the efficiency of their electric vehicle.

By considering factors like temperature, charging speed, charging station, and battery management system, buyers can enjoy a more efficient and sustainable charging experience.

Although there are some energy lost during charging and later conversion to kinetic energy by the motor, overall the energy efficiency of an electric vehicle hovers around the 87-91% mark, which is three time better than an internal combustion engine vehicle whic typically achieve betwen 20 and 30 per cent energy efficiency with a lot of it being lost as heat, sound and vibration