From THINK to Powercharger2

One of these new areas was electric vehicles. Initial discussions with a Norwegian pioneer company, THINK, resulted in a development contract for a 3kW on-board charger. The product was based on the telecom rectifier, but with higher output voltage (360Vdc), and the typical tough automotive environmental requirements with high/low temperatures, shock, vibration, dust and humidity.
 

The THINK project was completed on time, and more than 3000 vehicles were produced with Eltek chargers before THINK went out of business early 2011. In the meantime, Eltek had launched a family of chargers based on the THINK design, and we received such positive feedback from customer visits and exhibitions that it was decided to set up a new business segment for E-mobility.
 

Based on the first generation of chargers for electric vehicles we have won contracts with two major car manufacturers. The first was for a limited test series equipped with a 6kW charger from Eltek with deliveries in Q3/4 2011, and another which will enter series production late 2012. We are also in regular deliveries to a number of smaller companies that convert cars from gasoline to electric. We see good opportunities for our chargers also in the market for high-end scooters and motorcycles, due to the high power density and low profile.
 

As the E-mobility business is maturing, new standards and requirements are established, and Eltek is already well on the way developing a second generation charger, which will have higher output power, wider control range, more extensive signal interface, and comply to automotive standards regarding electrical performance, components and functional safety. We are in particular focusing on complying to the VDA standard for on-board chargers (VDA = Verband der Automobilindustrie, German Car Manufacturer Association). This charger will also be manufactured at an ISO-TS 16949 approved manufacturing plant. Prototypes (A-samples) will be available in Q1/2012, and start of production is scheduled for Q3/2013.