IISc & Delta Electronics India Launch Compact Bidirectional EV Converter Connecting Directly to Medium-Voltage Grids
India: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with Delta Electronics India, have developed an innovative transformer-free electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging converter that promises to make charging more compact, efficient, and cost-effective.
Unlike traditional systems that rely on bulky copper-iron transformers, the new converter connects directly to medium-voltage grids, reducing size, energy loss, and material use. The prototype has achieved over 95% efficiency at 1.2 kW, and plans are underway to scale it for simultaneous charging of larger vehicles like buses and cars from an 11 kV grid.
The converter is bidirectional, allowing it to charge EVs, store energy in local batteries, or feed electricity back to the grid during outages. This feature opens up potential applications in critical facilities such as hospitals, enhancing energy reliability.
The technology is also compatible with solar panels and other renewable energy sources, potentially boosting efficiency by up to 5% at higher capacities. Researchers have employed solid-state transformers, which dramatically cut size, material consumption, and energy losses, making the system highly sustainable.
Beyond EV fast charging, the converter could serve data centres, railways, and renewable energy installations that demand high-efficiency power conversion.
According to the IISc-Delta team, this development could make fast-charging infrastructure more accessible and environmentally friendly, supporting India’s ambition for large-scale electric mobility while paving the way for a more resilient and renewable-compatible power ecosystem.
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This breakthrough represents a significant step toward efficient, scalable, and sustainable EV charging in India, aligning with the nation’s green energy and mobility goals.
