Is the EV On-Board Charger (OBC) Being Phased Out?

Basic Understanding of OBC

The On-Board Charger (OBC) is a core component in electric vehicles that converts external alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) to charge the traction battery. Its power rating directly determines AC slow-charging efficiency. Currently, most domestic automakers limit OBC power to 6.6 kW, so an 11 kW AC charging pile offers limited improvement in real-world user experience. Its core functions include AC/DC conversion, coordinating with the Battery Management System (BMS) to ensure charging safety, and compatibility with multiple charging protocols.

 Why Remove the OBC?

1.Cost & Space: Eliminates hardware costing 1-2% of BOM and occupying 5-10L, lowering costs or freeing space for larger batteries.

2.Fast-Charging Fit: Slow charging is inefficient for large 60-100kWh batteries. Future 800V platforms will make DC fast charging dominant.

3.Grid Friendly: AC chargers use unstable single-phase 220V; DC chargers use stable three-phase 380V.

4.Cases: XPeng and Li Auto offer OBC-free trims to cut prices; BYD Seagull dropped below $14k by removing it.

What Are the Challenges?

1.Wasted Assets: Millions of homes already have AC piles (often bundled with car purchases); OBC removal renders them useless.

2.Infrastructure Gap: Requires rapid rollout of 20kW home DC chargers and upgrades to public fast-charging networks.

Future Outlook

Removing the OBC is inevitable but won't mean extinction. For the next 5-8 years, expect a mix of 7kW AC, 20kW small DC, 120kW DC, and 1MW flash-charging stations. Short-term strategy: Promote "No-OBC + Small Battery + Swap" for homes, while subsidizing ultra-fast charging tech and upgrading aging grids.