To address global warming and climate change, many countries have set a target of achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. To meet this goal, it is essential to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which is highly energy-intensive. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) plays a crucial role in this effort. This article introduces the development trends of the EV industry and the DC charging solutions for battery electric vehicle (BEV) smart infrastructure offered by Murata.
High-power DC fast charging technology supports widespread EV adoption
To achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, many countries and regions have set policy targets to end the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035. Such policy shifts are driving the entire automotive industry to intensify efforts to reduce transportation emissions. Additionally, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly all passenger and commercial vehicles on the road by 2050 are expected to be electric or fuel cell vehicles.
Furthermore, the automotive industry is seeking to participate in the Science-Based Targets initiative, which aims to provide a clear pathway to decarbonization and sustainability. Such initiatives help establish common emission reduction targets not only within individual companies but across the entire industry.
Driven by societal demands and industry initiatives led by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the development of new infrastructure is also advancing. With the growing adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), the demand for DC chargers to support these vehicles is increasing. This trend is expected to continue, requiring diverse charging solutions and infrastructure development.
High-power DC fast charging technology plays a critical role in supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, some DC fast chargers can deliver over 350 kW, enabling many BEVs to charge up to 80% in approximately 30–45 minutes. This fast-charging capability significantly enhances convenience, especially for long-distance travel, and reduces "range anxiety" - concerns about driving range - making it easier for consumers to choose EVs. Moreover, it is predicted that by 2030, around 50% of BEVs produced will have the capacity for 200 kW fast charging. This advancement is expected to drive increased demand for high-power charging infrastructure, thereby boosting the overall EV adoption rate in the market.
Additionally, some premium models will be capable of peak charging exceeding 300 kW, enabling efficient and fast charging while meeting customer expectations for high performance. These technological trends highlight the significant impact and evolution of high-power DC fast chargers on the broader EV market.
In terms of charging station design, the trend is shifting toward moving the central power conversion unit away from the charging poles. This approach separates the power conversion unit from the charging unit, improving power distribution flexibility and reducing the overall installation footprint.
Multi-point DC chargers can allocate available output power among chargers, allowing a single charger to charge two or more vehicles simultaneously. Recently, many manufacturers have begun offering DC chargers with two or more DC outputs. This trend is gaining popularity due to its advantages in commercial applications such as rental cars, taxis, and buses, where demand is growing. Simultaneously charging two vehicles (power-sharing technology) enables efficient power distribution to meet high demand. Moreover, such technological advancements are expected to require high-precision, high-speed wireless communication technology.
Accelerating decarbonization across the value chain toward a sustainable future
To build a sustainable decarbonized society and encourage the entire industry to respond with urgency and responsibility, Murata has designated "creating a decarbonized society" as a key issue and set greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for its business operations.
Additionally, Murata is accelerating decarbonization efforts across its entire value chain, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its supply chain by 2050 and RE100 by 2035. Murata is also collaborating with stakeholders to actively contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts. Particularly in the mobility sector, which accounts for 25% of its sales, the promotion of zero-emission vehicles, centered on BEVs, is deemed crucial. Murata is focusing on fast-charging systems as a key area, driving technological innovation and value creation to support the transition to decarbonized business models.
Murata actively addresses social issues in its business processes based on materiality, focusing on miniaturization technology and environmentally friendly product development. Notably, the development of multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) has been recognized for enhancing the convenience of customer products and promoting sustainable resource use through lightweight and compact technology. Furthermore, Murata has introduced eco-friendly packaging and recycling systems, implementing multifaceted measures to reduce environmental impact.
Delivering higher output power to meet fast-charging demand
As DC chargers require higher output power to meet fast-charging demands, MLCCs for fast-charging circuits are essential. Murata offers a range of MLCCs capable of handling high output power, with particular strengths in AC-DC and DC-DC circuits.
The EV DC charger power device market is undergoing a significant transformation due to the shift toward silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies. In 2023, the market for EV DC charger devices, including discrete components and modules, was valued at $330 million and is projected to reach $810 million by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8%.
SiC technology, in particular, is rapidly gaining traction, positioning EV DC charging infrastructure as a key application driving SiC wafer demand in the coming years. The SiC MOSFET device market is forecasted to grow at a high CAGR of 40.3% from 2023 to 2029, reaching a market size of $295 million. This growth is fueled by rising demand in the ultra-fast charger segment (350 kW and above), where high power output and efficient energy conversion are critical. Moreover, many manufacturers are advancing modular designs using 30–40 kW modules, which are also being deployed in large-scale ultra-fast charging stations.
Meanwhile, GaN technology is attracting attention for its high switching speeds and efficiency, making it promising for certain low-power DC chargers and specialized applications. However, GaN technology is still in its early stages, and challenges such as cost reduction and reliability improvement must be addressed for widespread adoption. Nonetheless, future R&D is expected to drive further growth in this field.
The power semiconductors used in current EV DC chargers are transitioning from Si MOSFET/Si IGBT to SiC MOSFET/GaN, driven by the demand for faster and higher output power. This shift is due to the superior power conversion efficiency of SiC and GaN, which reduces energy loss, shortens charging time, and lowers costs. These materials can also operate in high-temperature environments, reducing cooling requirements and enabling miniaturization and cost savings. Additionally, they support faster power conversion, enhancing the performance of fast-charging systems, and their high-speed switching capabilities enable more compact and lightweight designs, contributing to space-saving solutions. Components are also evolving toward higher voltage, smaller size, and better heat resistance.
As semiconductor specifications shift from Si MOSFET/Si IGBT to SiC MOSFET/GaN, MLCCs are being applied in areas where they were previously unused. Murata's MLCC lineup contributes to high voltage, miniaturization, and heat resistance. As with traditional designs (Si MOSFET/Si IGBT), Murata's strengths remain in AC-DC and DC-DC circuits.
Common DC-DC converter architectures include three types: full-bridge converters, half-bridge converters, and resonant converters. Murata's solutions cater to these circuit designs and offer a product lineup that supports high voltage, with continuous expansion underway. This includes snubber capacitors (Class 2) such as the GRM series (rated up to 1,250 V), GR3 series (high ripple current tolerance), KRM series (metal-terminated with GRM), KR3 series (metal-terminated with GR3), and RDE series (epoxy-coated with lead), as well as snubber and resonant capacitors like the GRM series (rated up to 1 kV with C0G and U2J characteristics) and KRM series (rated up to 1 kV with C0G and U2J characteristics). For example, to achieve compactness in size-constrained DC charger modules, MLCCs are sometimes used as resonant capacitors instead of film capacitors (resonant capacitors are recommended in LLC circuits).
Flexible wireless technology for remote monitoring of fast-charging stations
To enable rapid remote monitoring of fast-charging station operations, equipping chargers with connectivity modules has become essential. The most commonly used technologies are Wi-Fi™ and Bluetooth®, which allow devices to connect directly to the internet, making them the most flexible wireless solutions for IoT products. These technologies offer advantages such as faster time-to-market, high performance and reliability, local and global FAE support, longevity guarantees, and RF and certification support.
Murata's wireless connectivity modules support Wi-Fi4, Wi-Fi5, and Wi-Fi6/Bluetooth, are certified by FCC/ISED and Japan, and provide CE test reports. They can be integrated into Linux or RTOS platforms and are used in DC charging applications for real-time charging status monitoring, software updates, smartphone app integration, and remote troubleshooting.
To extend the range and transmission distance of Wi-Fi™, Wi-Fi HaLow™ technology was developed. Wi-Fi HaLow™ is a long-range wireless communication standard based on Wi-Fi/IP, standardized as "IEEE 802.11ah," capable of communication over a wide area more than 1 kilometer. With a 4 MHz bandwidth (SISO), Wi-Fi HaLow™ theoretically achieves data transmission speeds of several Mbps making it suitable for video and audio streaming.
Wi-Fi HaLow is optimized for IoT and smart devices, featuring long-range communication and low power consumption suitable for battery operation. It operates in the 900 MHz band, offering a communication range of several hundred meters - far exceeding traditional Wi-Fi's 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands - and eliminates the need for telecom carrier services, reducing costs. Compared to traditional LPWA, Wi-Fi HaLow delivers higher throughput, supporting large-capacity data transmission at speeds up to several Mbps (4 MHz bandwidth, SISO). It also provides native IP support, enabling direct connection to IP networks like traditional Wi-Fi, and supports the latest security protocols such as WPA3. Applications include IoT devices, smart buildings, smart agriculture, and smart factories.
Murata has developed two Wi-Fi HaLow modules: Type 2HL low transmission power version for global SKU and Type 2HK for higher transmission power allowed in NA and APAC exclude Japan, operating in the sub-1 GHz frequency (unlicensed band) with multiple device power-saving modes and support for the latest Wi-Fi security mechanisms. In DC charging applications, such as installing chargers in large parking lots where traditional Wi-Fi's range is insufficient, Wi-Fi HaLow can serve as an alternative.
Conclusion
With the rapid adoption of battery electric vehicles, the construction of smart infrastructure has become key to driving high-quality industry development. DC charging solutions, with their advantages of high efficiency, fast response, and intelligence, are increasingly becoming a vital part of the future transportation energy system. DC charging systems for smart infrastructure not only enhance the charging experience and operational efficiency but also integrate deeply with energy management and smart scheduling technologies, supporting cities in achieving green, low-carbon, and sustainable development. Murata's MLCC and Wi-Fi HaLow connectivity product lines will play significant roles in DC charging solutions, further advancing the intelligent and digital transformation of electric mobility.