Electric cars are slowly becoming the main vehicle across the globe, and this is not surprising considering they come with a lot of advantages. Since these cars do not burn fuel, they need high-voltage systems to gain power and enable the vehicles to perform on the road.
However, what is the voltage these cars use?
Most electric cars operate with batteries that work at a voltage of 400. This is the necessary voltage that enables these vehicles to gain power and move. However, many manufacturers are gearing up with the aim to create a drive system of 800 volts, which will increase the range of the cars.
If you are interested in learning about the voltage electric cars use as well as the reason for it, you have come to the right place. In addition, we will discuss the requirements for the power supply of electric vehicles, and you will have the chance to learn which factors affect the whole system.
If these are the questions to which you need answers, keep reading!
What Voltage Do Electric Cars Use?
Most electric vehicles that we have today work with batteries that operate at a voltage of 400 volts. This is a significantly high voltage, but it is of crucial importance in order to make the electric car fully functional. To be more precise – the higher the voltage, the more powerful the vehicle will be, and that is the main goal.
However, higher voltage means a higher charge consumption. In other words, the higher voltage an electric car has the higher amount of charging it will need. That is the main reason why many manufacturers are trying to find a way to introduce higher voltages and make electric cars more practical and easier to use.
In order to make electric cars more powerful, the most convenient solution is to establish an increase in the current. In other words, this is the easiest way to increase the range of these vehicles and make them more efficient.
However, this solution is a little bit problematic because it comes with several disadvantages.
Nonetheless, many car producers have geared up in an attempt to introduce a new power system that will work with a voltage of 800 volts. This is going to change so many things in the way electric cars operate.
Namely, this will enable the vehicles to increase their range by increasing the voltage while supplying the same amount of power.
Before we go into further explanation of this process, let’s see the differences between an increase in the current and an increase in the operating voltage of the system.
| Increase in the current | Increase in the operating voltage of the system |
| Use of heavy cables and thick insulation | Halve the size of battery |
| Production of a high amount of heat | Double the operating power |
| Maintain the same performance of the vehicle | Maintain the same performance of the vehicle |
As seen from the table, the only thing that is achieved through an increase in the current is the same performance of the vehicle. However, if the operating voltage of the system is increased, then you get the same performance while the operating power is doubled and the battery of the vehicle is lighter.
What Are Other Advantages Of Increasing To 800 Volts?
Since carmakers are determined to make this change in electric cars, we should get familiarized with the things that will be achieved with this increase in voltage.
| Steps in increasing the voltage | Results of the actions |
| Increased voltage to 800V | Same amount of power with less current |
| Lighter electric cables | Increased range of the vehicle |
| Decreased use of copper for cabling | Decreased costs for the carmakers |
| Optimized charging speed | Faster recharging |
Considering these facts, it is not surprising that car manufacturers are eager to increase the voltage of electric cars from 400 to 800 volts. Not only will the range of the vehicle increase but this will also reduce the costs of carmakers. In addition, the increase in voltage will improve the recharging time, and that is something drivers really need.
How Does High Voltage Affect The Use Of Electric Cars?
We are all aware that electric cars are becoming popular, but not as popular as we expected. Although the purchase of electric vehicles has been growing, there are still some obstacles that discourage people from switching from gas-powered vehicles to electric ones.
| Factors that affect the use of electric cars | |
| Affordability | Come at high prices |
| Recharging | Take a long time to recharge |
| Environmental impact | Reduce pollution |
If we take into consideration these factors, we can understand why these vehicles are still not widely used. Even though they are better for the environment since they reduce pollution, they are still quite expensive, meaning that not many people can afford them.
In other words, they are still considered a luxury.
In addition, the recharging time has also had a great impact on the wide use of electric cars. That is, considering the fact that it takes about 8 to 10 hours to fully recharge, these vehicles are still regarded as inconvenient.
Electric Cars With 800V Operating System
Some car manufacturers have already introduced electric car models that include operating systems that perform at 800 volts. Others have announced their 800V models, but they are still in the developing stages.
| EVs with 800V operating system | EV Carmakers with 800V operating system in developing stages |
Porsche Taycan | Rivian |
| Audi e-tron GT | General Motors |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | |
| Kia EV6 |
FAQ
Are Electric Cars 110-Volt-Compatible?
All electric cars are 110-volt-compatible, meaning that they come with an extension cord that can be plugged into a standard outlet. In other words, this allows you to charge your EV at your home.
Do Electric Cars Lose Charge When Parked?
When parked, electric cars lose charge, but it is quite minimal. However, over time this can change, meaning that the vehicle can start losing more charge as its lifespan decreases.
Does Cold Weather Affect The Charge Of Electric Vehicles?
Even though electric cars are designed to withstand cold weather, they can lose about 12% of their charge when the weather is cold. However, this percentage can increase to about 40% if the heater is used to its fullest capacity.
Final Thoughts
Electric vehicles require higher voltage in order to gain power that allows them to perform well. As you can see, carmakers are striving to design EVs with an even higher voltage than 400V to make these vehicles more efficient.
Hopefully, now you understand the necessity for high voltage, and how it impacts the efficiency of electric vehicles.
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