400 V vs 800 V: What It Means for the On-Board Charger
Doubling the pack voltage halves the current for the same power. That is the headline benefit, and it cascades through the design.
| Aspect | 400 V | 800 V |
|---|---|---|
| Current at 11 kW | ~27 A | ~14 A |
| Cable and connector size | Larger | Smaller |
| Semiconductor choice | Si or SiC | SiC generally required |
| Insulation coordination | Standard | Higher creepage and clearance |
| Component availability | Mature | Improving, cost premium |
The practical consequence: an OBC qualified for 800 V can often serve a 400 V platform with a software-configured output range, while the reverse is not true.