Performance Assessment of an Electric Vehicle Fast Charger In Hot Arid Climate of Qatar

The prolonged duration required for charging electric vehicles (EVs), particularly when compared to conventional fuel refueling, remains a key obstacle to broader EV adoption. This issue is amplified in hot climate regions, where elevated ambient temperatures impair the performance of EV charging systems, causing power derating and extended charging times. This study examines thermal behavior of a 50 kW Level 3 DC fast charger operating in Qatar’s harsh desert environment. A network of wireless temperature sensors was deployed across key internal components and ambient locations to monitor thermal conditions throughout the year across hot, transitional, and cold seasons. The results show that internal temperatures often exceed critical thresholds during summer, triggering protective derating and reducing power output. Charging performance is analyzed in relation to ambient conditions using a full charge cycle from 10% to 100% state of charge. To mitigate thermal stress, the integration of a vapor compression cooling system is investigated. The system is modeled to assess its capacity to manage a 3-kW thermal load, and a parametric study is conducted to evaluate performance across varying ambient temperatures. The findings provide practical insights into thermal management for fast chargers in hot climates and support the development of resilient charging infrastructure.