On-board Charger Market

Market Overview

The global on-board charger market size was valued at USD 5.83 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach USD 25.22 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 17.67% from 2022 to 2030.

Over the forecast period, the escalating global demand for electric vehicles will be the primary driver of demand growth for onboard chargers. An onboard charger converts alternating current (AC) from charging stations to charge a vehicle's battery into direct current (DC). The increased number of AC charging stations installed in emerging business sectors contributes further to the growth of the onboard charger market. Silicon carbide semiconductor technology is being increasingly adopted to produce onboard chargers because of its total thickness and 98 % efficiency rate. As a result, a few companies are focusing more on providing silicon carbide onboard chargers that are more powerful and productive, creating new opportunities for market growth. The onboard charger allows you to control the charging current and voltage, extending the battery's life. Chargers provide constant current or voltage charging, both of which are simple to use and have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Increasing government initiatives for the construction of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles are driving the growth of the Electric Vehicle onboard charger market. However, the lack of standardisation of EV charging and the rise in the installation of fast DC chargers may hinder the growth of the Electric Vehicle onboard charger market. During the forecast period, developing a two-way onboard charger (V2G) for future electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is predicted to provide potential opportunities for the Electric Vehicle onboard charger market. Moreover, sales of electric vehicle (EV) onboard chargers have decreased dramatically during the few months of the coronavirus epidemic due to the global decline in vehicle demand. During the global shutdown, the import/export of raw materials required for EV chargers and production activities in the EV industry have been halted to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

The high cost of electric vehicle charging at public stations

The high price of charging an electric vehicle at public charging stations drives the demand for onboard chargers. Near roads, malls, and businesses, public charging stations are subject to commercial electric charges, higher than residential prices. This necessitates the installation of onboard chargers in electric vehicles. In an electric car, an onboard charger is used to charge the traction battery by converting the AC input from the grid to the DC input required to charge the batteries. The rise in private and public AC charging stations worldwide is one of the key drivers driving the market's expansion. The AC level 1 onboard charger is installed in all-electric vehicle types and is compatible with standard power outlets.

The expanding government initiatives for the construction of electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Increasing government initiatives for the construction of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles are driving the growth of the Electric Vehicle onboard charger market. However, the lack of standardisation of EV charging and the rise in the installation of fast DC chargers may hinder the growth of the Electric Vehicle onboard charger market. During the forecast period, developing a two-way onboard charger (V2G) for future electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is predicted to provide potential opportunities for the Electric Vehicle onboard charger market. Moreover, sales of electric vehicle (EV) onboard chargers have decreased dramatically during the few months of the coronavirus epidemic due to the global decline in vehicle demand. During the global shutdown, the import/export of raw materials required for EV chargers and production activities in the EV industry have been halted to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Market Restraints

The increasing interest from government agencies in the installation of DC rapid chargers

The increasing demand from government-run organisations for installing DC rapid chargers is one of the key factors driving the expansion of the global onboard charger market. The onboard charger reception rate varies by brand but is constrained by weight, volume, and expense. Level 2 AC charging times can range from four to five to over twelve hours, depending on the vehicle. DC rapid chargers circumvent the limitations of an onboard charger and the need for a power change. These provide direct DC power to the vehicle's battery, accelerating it substantially. The West Coast Electric Highway is one example of DC rapid charger deployment. It is a vast network of DC fast-charging stations for electric vehicles located every 25 to 50 miles along Highway 99, Interstate 5, and other major roads in British Columbia, California, and Washington. Therefore, the increased demand for DC rapid chargers is a barrier for the onboard charger sector.

Market Opportunities

Increasing global deployment of electric charging stations

Globally expanding, the installation of electric charging stations is driving market expansion. In February 2021, for instance, Shell announced plans to construct 500,000 EV charging stations by 2025. A rise in electric vehicle deals will speed up market development. In the first half of 2021, sales of electric vehicles increased by 160 % compared to the same time frame in 2020. It represented 26% of new vehicle sales in the automobile market. China has become the largest EV market in the world, accounting for 13 % of the market. Lithium costs have increased by approximately 165% as a result of the explosion of the EV industry. These conditions result in increased consumer expenditure. In 2020, consumers spent over USD 12 billion on EV items. In addition, according to a Power Technology study, EV sales in the first quarter of 2021 totalled 2.6 million units, with 5 million units predicted by the end of the year.

Regional Analysis

In 2021, the Asia Pacific area was responsible for more than 38 % of worldwide revenue. This gave it a commanding lead in the industry. The increase in government initiatives to promote the sale of electric vehicles in countries such as China and India contribute to the acceleration of market growth in the area. For example, the sales quotas imposed by the Chinese government for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 are one of the primary factors pushing the sales of EV onboard chargers in the country. These percentages will be in place for 2019, 2020, and 2021. In China, electric vehicles (EVs) that use onboard chargers include, amongst others, the Tesla Model 3, the BYD Qin Pro EV, and the GAC Aion S.

For the projection period, Europe is anticipated to experience tremendous growth. The market participants in Europe are persistently making attempts to increase their electric vehicle (EV) offerings, which is increasing demand for onboard chargers as a direct result. In line with the BMW vision, the automaker intends to electrify its sport utility vehicles (SUVs), four-door sedans (sedans), and Mini vehicles in Europe by 2030. At the same time, a surge in subsidies granted for the purchase of electric vehicles is also one of the significant aspects driving the market growth in the region. This is one of the primary reasons driving the market growth in the region.

Segmental Analysis

In 2021, the 11 kW to 22 kW category led the Market and accounted for over 41 % of the global revenue. The 11-22 kW triphase AC chargers can fully charge an electric vehicle in two to four hours. A tri-phase AC charger is typically utilised as a public charging station. Transport & Environment statistics indicate that 61 % of European public chargers are tri-phase AC chargers. Less than 11 kW is predicted to experience the most growth during the projection period. In the future, most electric vehicles are anticipated to incorporate 6 kW to 11 kW onboard chargers. Shortly, 98.2 % of onboard chargers will be 6 kW to 11 kW rather than 3 kW to 5 kW, according to data published by Open Systems Media. In addition, the benefits provided by less than 11 kW onboard chargers, such as better charging efficiency and maximum performance, are anticipated to boost the expansion of the market.

In 2021, the passenger car category led the Market and contributed more than 35.0% of worldwide revenue. Increasing global sales of electric passenger vehicles are anticipated to increase demand for onboard chargers. According to data published by HIS Market, sales of plug-in passenger vehicles in the United States will increase to 5.5% of the market share in 2020. In addition, plug-in passenger car sales in Europe accounted for 7.7 % of the market. The bus segment is anticipated to experience the most rapid expansion during the projection period. In buses, an onboard charger is utilised to convert AC to DC for battery charging. The increase in global sales of zero-emission buses is anticipated to contribute to the segment's growth. Sustainable Bus, an online publication focusing on the Market for electric buses, predicts that by 2040, 83 % of all buses will be electric.

In 2021, the BEV category led the Market and accounted for more than 67 % worldwide revenue. A plug-in charged battery propels a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The increase in BEVs is fueling the segment's expansion. Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have the most significant market share in the BEV class, followed by other manufacturers. Volkswagen held 17.4 % of the BEV market in 2021, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 14.9 %. The PHEV segment is anticipated to experience the most increase during the projection period. Various Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) manufacturers are adopting onboard chargers with a power output between 3 and 3.7 kW, fueling category growth. The batteries of vehicles such as the Hyundai Sonata PHEV, Kia K5 PHEV, and Outlander PHEV are charged by onboard chargers. PHEVs are experiencing exponential expansion worldwide. In 2021, BYD, a Chinese producer of electric vehicles, sold 7,126 PHEVs, a 60 % increase from the 4,454 PHEVs it sold in 2021.

Recent Developments

• In June 2022, Bel Power Solutions’ Dubnica nad Váhom, Slovakia Factory Receives IATF 16949 Certification for Automotive Power Supplies.
• In April 2022, Bel Power Solutions Expands Power Subrack Systems for Railway Applications.
• In July 2022, STMicroelectronics reveals automotive high-side switch controller with flexible diagnostics and protection.
• In April 2022, Toyota Industries Corporation Develops a New Compact and Lightweight Unit That Integrates an On-Board Charger and DC-DC Converter.