The power electronics of electric and hybrid vehicles consist of three components:
Inverter
DC-DC converter
On-board charger
The inverter controls and monitors the electric motor, providing the electric powertrain with the necessary torque and rotational speed. It converts the direct current of the battery to the alternating current required by the electric motor.
To power the vehicle electrical system, the voltage of the high-voltage battery needs to be converted from 400 or 800 volts to a low voltage of 12 volts. This is the job of the converter – also known as the DC-DC converter.
The third component of the power electronics system is the on-board charger. Typically installed near the battery, this charging unit converts the incoming alternating current to a direct current. This unit rapidly charges the battery without damaging it. When using a fast charging station, the on-board charger handles charge management.