Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Benchmark Testing of the Chevrolet Volt Onboard Charger
TR-OSTI-VSR_019
1/1/2012
- Content
- The Chevrolet Volt onboard charge module, which converts alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power to charge the vehicle’s onboard energy storage system, was benchmark tested for AC to DC efficiency by the Idaho National Laboratory as part of its conduct of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity. Charging with Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at 208 VAC input (60 Hz), the Volt onboard charge module was calculated to be 91.7% efficient while operating between 3.0 AC kW and 3.3 AC kW. Charging with Level 1 EVSE at 120 VAC input (60 Hz) the Volt onboard charge module was calculated to be 90.6% efficient while operating near 1.3 AC kW. Given that most Level 2 EVSE are greater than 99% efficient1 when operating above 3.0 AC kW (Level 2) and a Level 1 EVSE was measured to be 98% efficient2 when operating above 1.25 AC kW (120VAC), the average overall AC to DC charging efficiency for the Chevrolet Volt connected to an EVSE (from the AC grid through the EVSE and the Volt’s onboard charge module OBCM) is 90.8% for Level 2 and 88.8% for Level 1.
- Citation
- Carlson, R., "Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Benchmark Testing of the Chevrolet Volt Onboard Charger," SAE Technical Paper TR-OSTI-VSR_019, 2012, .