Power Electronics Applications in a 5G-Enabled EV Charging System—A Review

With the ever-evolving and constantly growing need for electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive industry, the importance of reliable, efficient, and dynamic EV chargers is increasing. Power electronics is the enabler and forms the execution layer of any charging station. EV charging must now integrate fast control, wide adaptability, bidirectionality, and reliability. The existing literature provides overview studies on the EV charging system, its infrastructure, and necessary power electronics. However, the integration of 5G-enabled EV charging (i.e., data transmission/communication via the 5G network) has introduced new performance expectations that go beyond the capabilities of conventional power converters. This paper presents an in-depth overview of power electronics applications in a 5G-enabled EV charging system. Several key aspects such as advanced converter topologies, a resonant converter for 5G charging, the integration of power electronics with 5G communication, and anomaly and intrusion detection models for a 5G-enabled Blink-2-level EV charger are discussed. Moreover, the challenges and risks of integrating 5G into EV charging infrastructure are discussed. Some recommendations on future research opportunities are provided. This study provides a basic guideline on power electronics applications in a 5G-enabled EV charging system and is therefore valuable to the researchers, scientists, and engineers working in this interesting field.