As domestic and commercial demand for electric vehicles continues to accelerate PCB assembly design and production are becoming an increasingly vital component of the electric vehicle charging station manufacturing process. The electric vehicle charging technology industry is a highly innovative field, characterised by complex design and engineering processes and a high level of testing, as manufacturers work hard to meet the evolving demands of electric vehicle users.
PCB assemblies are integral to the operation of the increasingly complicated and multifaceted electronics systems around which electric vehicle charging stations are built. As a result, the quality, reliability and traceability of these components are incredibly important.
This is why more and more electric vehicle charger manufacturers are using PCB assembly specialists to produce high-grade PCB assemblies.
EV charging technology and PCB assembly requirements
The advance of the electric vehicle industry is a critical component of the transition to a low-carbon future. Integral to progress is ease of vehicle charging (alongside vehicle affordability and running distances), whether at home, on the street or at the workplace.
As electric vehicles evolve and their use grows, so charging station technology has to respond, facilitating the accessibility, affordability and performance needed to make the switch from fossil fuel-powered vehicles viable.
For producers of electric vehicle chargers, this means developing a range of charging stations to meet the needs of domestic and commercial customers. Each type of charging station has specific functionality and this functionality relies on electronic systems powered by PCB assemblies.
EV charging tech challenges and the role of PCB assemblies
Residential and commercial electric vehicle charging stations have differing requirements, in terms of both design and functionality, which are delivered by electronic systems built around PCB assemblies.
For example, while residential charging stations are more straightforward in terms of use (i.e. at-home plug-in), on-street and commercial charging points require more complex functionality, such as auto plug-in and payment facilities, including embedded Near Field Communication and internet connectivity capabilities for mobile payments.
Charging points also need to feature protection against vandalism and overloading, and fault current monitoring capability. There are also stations that require dual operating capability, in that they need to be able to offer pay-to-use and free-to-use charging.
There is also the question of charging speed – another area where electronic systems and PCB assemblies have a role to play. There are currently four types of electric vehicle charging: slow, fast, rapid and ultra-fast. As electric vehicle ownership grows, demand for faster charging at all points will grow.
What to look for in an EV charging tech PCB assembly supplier
Electric vehicle charging technology is a pioneering, fast-moving field, making the choice of PCB assembly partner a critical factor in manufacturers’ success.
In addition to the importance of PCB assembly quality, reliability and traceability, there is the ability of your PCB assembly provider to meet demand relating to prototyping, testing and small-batch product delivery. Your supplier should also be able to offer expert advice on product design to help augment the manufacturing process.
In this unique industry space, when choosing a contract electronics manufacturer to supply high-grade, highly specialised PCB assemblies for electric vehicle charging stations, the combination of expertise, quality and flexibility is vital.
To find out how MPE Electronics PCB manufacturing and assembly services can benefit your business, contact us on +44 (0)1825 764822 or enquiries@mpe-electronics.co.uk.
