Type 6 & Type 7 EV Chargers: Future of Light Electric Vehicles in India

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and with their rise comes the crucial need for efficient and reliable charging infrastructure. While many are familiar with terms like Level 2 or DC fast charging, specific “Type” designations for chargers, such as Type 6 and Type 7, often refer to charging connectors and standards primarily developed for light electric vehicles (LEVs) and certain DC fast-charging applications, particularly in the Indian context. It’s important to note that these “Type” designations aren’t globally recognized like Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, or CCS, but rather represent specific regional or emerging standards for certain vehicle categories.

What Are Type 6 and Type 7 EV Chargers?

Type 6 and Type 7 typically refer to DC fast charging connectors designed for light electric vehicles (LEVs), which include electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, a significant segment of the EV market in countries like India. These types aim to provide standardized DC charging solutions for vehicles that might not utilize the higher power requirements of standard EV cars.

• Type 6 Charger: This type is typically designed for LEV DC (Direct Current) charging and can handle current carrying capacities up to 120A. It’s often split into two variants: one for portable chargers (up to 50A) and another for fixed charging infrastructure (up to 120A). It’s designed to provide quick charging for lighter electric vehicles.
• Type 7 Charger: This designation is often associated with DC fast charging for 2- and 3-wheelers. Ather Energy’s open-source design is a notable example, aiming to establish a combined charging standard for LEVs. Type 7 chargers are known for delivering a relatively quick charge for these smaller vehicles, with some models offering 3kW capacity for rapid top-ups.

How Do They Work?

Both Type 6 and Type 7 chargers operate on the principle of Direct Current (DC) charging, which bypasses the vehicle’s onboard AC-to-DC converter and feeds DC power directly to the battery. This allows for significantly faster charging compared to AC (Alternating Current) charging.

1. Power Conversion (for DC chargers)
   Unlike AC chargers, where the car’s onboard charger converts AC to DC, DC fast chargers like Type 6 and Type 7 have the AC-to-DC converter built into the charging station itself. This external conversion unit is much larger and more powerful, allowing for higher power delivery.
2. Communication Protocol
   When an EV is plugged into a Type 6 or Type 7 charger, the charger initiates a “handshake” with the vehicle’s Battery Management System (BMS). This communication, often using protocols like OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol), ensures safe and efficient power transfer. The BMS dictates the maximum power the vehicle can accept at any given time, preventing overcharging or damage to the battery.
3. Direct Current Delivery
   Once communication is established and safety checks are complete, the charger delivers high-voltage DC power directly to the EV’s battery. The power delivery adjusts based on the battery’s State of Charge (SoC), temperature, and the vehicle’s capabilities.
4. Connector Design: The physical connectors for Type 6 and Type 7 are specifically designed to handle the DC currents and voltages required for LEVs.

Benefits Of Type 6 And Type 7 EV Chargers

Benefits of Type 6 Chargers

• Fast Charging for LEVs: Type 6 chargers enable significantly faster charging times for electric two and three-wheelers compared to standard AC charging, which is crucial for commercial applications and daily commuting.
• Standardization for Light Vehicles: By providing a dedicated DC charging standard for LEVs, Type 6 contributes to a more cohesive and accessible charging ecosystem for this growing vehicle segment.
• Support for Diverse Applications: With variants for portable and infrastructure charging, Type 6 offers flexibility for various charging scenarios, from individual users to public charging stations.
• Future-Ready for V2G/V2X: Some implementations of Type 6 are designed to support Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies, enabling bidirectional power flow and smart grid integration.

Benefits of Type 7 Chargers

• Optimized for 2 and 3-Wheelers: Type 7, as exemplified by Ather’s standard, is specifically optimized for the battery sizes and charging needs of electric two and three-wheelers, ensuring efficient and safe charging.
• Enhanced User Convenience: Fast charging reduces downtime for LEV users, making electric mobility more practical and appealing for short commutes and commercial use cases.
• Promotes EV Adoption: By addressing the charging needs of a large segment of the EV market, Type 7 chargers can accelerate the adoption of electric two and three-wheelers, particularly in dense urban environments.
• Compact and Robust Design: Many Type 7 chargers are designed to be compact and durable, suitable for installation in homes, workplaces, and public spaces, even with limited infrastructure.

How Are They Different From Each Other?

While both Type 6 and Type 7 chargers serve the purpose of DC fast charging for light electric vehicles, their primary differences lie in their specific applications, connector variants, and the driving forces behind their standardization.

Conclusion

In essence, Type 6 appears to be a more encompassing DC fast-charging standard for LEVs, allowing for greater power delivery depending on the specific application, whereas Type 7 is a more specialized and often lower-power DC fast-charging solution primarily focused on the burgeoning electric two and three-wheeler segments. Both are crucial for expanding the EV charging ecosystem and supporting the diverse range of electric vehicles on the road, particularly in markets where LEVs are dominant.