Zaptec uses advanced power technology from ST to develop a unique portable electric vehicle charger

     STMicroelectronics' industry-renowned silicon carbide (SiC) power components have enabled Zaptec, a high-tech startup, to develop ZapCharger, the world's smallest, smartest and safest electric vehicle charging station. Zaptec is a revolutionary and innovative startup in the transformer industry.

     As the market's first electric vehicle portable charger with built-in electronic transformers, ZapCharger can connect to any electric grid to charge any electric vehicle. St's SiC MOSFET[1] SIC power chips offer extraordinary power conversion performance, allowing Zaptec engineers to design portable yet powerful charging devices. Weighing 3kg and measuring 45 x 10 x 10cm, the charger is one-tenth the weight and size of existing solutions on the market, while charging performance is comparable and energy efficiency is up to 97%.

     In terms of safety, the design principle of the ZapCharger all-weather waterproof charger is completely electrically isolated, and constantly monitors the connected grid, dynamically adjusts the output power, and immediately breaks down the fault to protect the car electrical system. The charger also has GPRS communication connectivity, operating temperature range from -40°C to +55°C.

     Inside the ZapCharger charger, 32 ST high-voltage SiC power MOSFETs provide energy-efficient power conversion with minimal losses. Compared to traditional (silicon) power MOSFETs, these transistors can withstand higher voltages, currents, and temperatures, operate faster power conversion circuits, support smaller, lighter product designs, improve system energy efficiency, and reduce thermal cooling technical requirements.

     Jonas Helmikstøl, Chief operating officer of Zaptec, said: "It was critical for us to find a power technology that was extremely efficient, so that we could reduce the overall size of the charger without compromising the charging performance. St's silicon carbide products are the ideal solution. With the support of a strong and reliable partner, ST, we are finally able to turn our invention into a real product that will revolutionize the experience of electric vehicle owners, eliminating range anxiety and helping to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in countries around the world."

     Philip Lolies, Vice President of Market Applications for EMEA at STMicroelectronics, said: "Leveraging the superior energy efficiency of Italian and French semiconducting silicon carbide power MOSFETs, unique solutions like ZapCharger enable drivers to safely charge anywhere, anytime, helping to advance the electric vehicle market and the entire smart energy ecosystem." Zaptec's decision to select our power technology is a testament to ST's technology leadership and key role in the global trend towards greener and smarter living."