DC Fast Charge Infrastructure and Site Architecture

DCFC Site electrical infrastructure and architecture

DCFC sites typically have the following components

  • Utility Transformer
    • Which may not be needed if using a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
    • Often the source of long lead times!
  • Utility Meter
    • To measure and bill power that the Charge Point Operator
  • Electrical Panel
    • Electrical Distribution
    • Electrical Disconnects
      • To cut power to the downstream equipment for maintenance or in the event of a safety issue

And then either:

  • Power Cabinet and Dispenser
    • Used for larger sites where power management across dispenser units is critical

OR

  • All-in-one DCFC unit
    • Used primarily in smaller sites (ie 1-4 chargers) where power management may not be an issue

Below are some manufacturers who utilize each type of architecture:

All-in-one Units

  • Zerova DS
  • ABB Terra
  • BTC Gen4
  • Chargepoint CPE250
  • Delta City Charger
  • Signet FC200K
  • Tritium RTM
  • XCharge C6EU

Power Cabinet and Dispenser

  • Chargepoint Express Plus
  • Kempower C-Series
  • Rivian Adventure Network
  • Signet HDP350K
  • Tesla Supercharger
  • Tritium PKM
  • Zerova DO

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Here is one of the best video’s we’ve found explaining the components and differences in different Charge Point Operators (CPO) DCFC site architecture