Power electronics and the 12 V system
How one battery ends up running both a 400 V motor and a 12 V headlight.
You'll learn
- Explain power electronics and the 12 v system in plain language
- Recognise the key vocabulary
- Apply the idea to a real vehicle
Overview
Between the pack and everything else sits a small family of converters, each with one job: change voltage or change form.
In depth
Where the power goes
1
HV bus
2
DC-DC
3
12V
4
Loads
- 1Battery pack
Supplies high-voltage DC.
- 2Inverter
DC to three-phase AC for the motor.
- 3DC-DC converter
High voltage down to 12 V for lights and electronics.
- 4On-board charger
AC from the wall to DC for the pack.
Key takeaways
Remember this
- Every EV runs two electrical systems: high voltage and 12 V.
- The DC-DC converter replaces the alternator.
- The 12 V battery still needs care.
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