Battery charging technologies and standards for electric vehicles: A state-of-the-art review, challenges, and future research prospects

Countries worldwide are rapidly transitioning to clean energy sources to achieve the UN’s (United Nations) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy. Electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in this shift, offering an eco-friendly transportation option. Recognizing their importance, this paper delves into recent advancements in EV charging. It examines rapidly evolving charging technologies and protocols, focusing on front-end and back-end power converters as crucial components in EV battery charging. Through a quantitative analysis of current EV-specific topologies, it compares their strengths and weaknesses to guide future research and development. Additionally, it summarizes recent optimization techniques in EV charging solutions. Moving on, the paper examines advancements and challenges in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, a key smart charging solution for future smart grids. It explores its potential to enhance grid reliability and integrate renewable energy sources, while acknowledging challenges beyond feeding energy back to the grid, such as bi-directional power flow management and infrastructure development. Finally, the paper concludes by dedicating a section to future research opportunities in EV charging, highlighting areas like wireless charging, grid integration, and battery life optimization. This in-depth exploration aims to be a valuable resource for researchers and stakeholders, guiding them in identifying promising future directions for this critical technology.