In recent years, the electric vehicle (EV) market has seen significant expansion globally. This growth is driven both by technological advancements and by changes in consumer behavior, which is increasingly focused on sustainability and energy efficiency.
In this context, the existence of an adequate charging infrastructure becomes a crucial element, especially when it incorporates smart solutions that optimize the vehicle charging process and guarantee greater performance and safety for the user.
With this scenario in mind, GoodWe offers solutions in its portfolio that integrate smart charging of electric vehicles with photovoltaic systems, both connected to the on-grid network and hybrid systems with energy storage.
This article aims to present the different recharging modes available and the benefits associated with a complete solution for electric mobility.
HCA G2 Line
The HCA G2 line of vehicle chargers was developed with a focus on offering intelligent, efficient and safe recharging of electric vehicles, fully integrated with GoodWe equipment.
Available in power ranges from 7 to 22 kW, the solution stands out for its flexibility of use, offering various authentication methods, such as via RFID card, app, plug-and-charge charging, among others.
The modern design and high-quality finish can be seen in Figure 01, and installation with a pedestal is also possible (optional).
In addition, GoodWe vehicle chargers offer several levels of protection, such as an external emergency shutdown switch, protection against AC surges, current leakage, overvoltage, overload, overtemperature, short circuit and ground faults, among other protections.
The equipment has an IP66 protection rating (and can be installed outdoors), with a 6-meter charging cable and a standard European type II connector (connector present in most electric cars sold in Brazil) included, in addition to the monitoring being fully integrated into GoodWe's SEMS portal, providing the user with real-time monitoring of the recharging process and vehicle recharging mode settings directly on the portal.
Table 1 presents detailed technical information about the HCA G2 line and its respective models.
Table 1 – Main technical characteristics of the HCA G2 line
HCA G2 Charging Modes
GoodWe's HCA G2 line offers three smart charging modes (Fast, PV Priority, PV + Battery Priority) that allow efficient and personalized energy management for electric vehicles, each of which will be detailed.
Each mode is adapted to different usage scenarios, allowing the user to choose the best strategy based on the availability of solar energy, the battery charge status and the vehicle's demand.
When combined with a photovoltaic system with hybrid inverters and GoodWe lithium batteries, this solution expands the benefits of self-consumption, promoting greater energy autonomy, savings on electricity bills, and optimized use of locally generated energy.
Figure 2 presents a simplified diagram of the GoodWe ecosystem integration, exemplifying the integrated operation and architecture of the system.
Fast Mode
In this mode, the vehicle charger will charge with the power established by the user, automatically using the available energy source — photovoltaic, battery or grid — with the following order of priority: Photovoltaic > Battery > Grid.
If the power is not configured by the user, this mode will charge at maximum power. Charging power can be customized according to application needs, as long as the device's rated power limit is respected.
This mode is ideal for customers who want to ensure continuous charging of their electric vehicle, regardless of the available power source.
The system also allows you to define the maximum percentage of charge (SoC – State of Charge) that will be used from the system battery, which enables intelligent energy management.
This feature is especially advantageous in backup systems, as it allows users to reserve a certain amount of energy to supply priority loads in the event of a power outage. Furthermore, it is possible to set a maximum power limit to be supplied to the electric vehicle, optimizing the use of available energy.
Figure 3 shows the view available to the user in the SolarGo application to configure the charging modes.
PV Priority
In PV priority mode, EV charging will be based on the power of the photovoltaic modules. In this mode, only the surplus power will be used. photovoltaic generation to load the car.
In other words, during the day, photovoltaic generation will be prioritized for residential load consumption; only if there is a surplus will it be allocated to vehicle charging. This strategy aims to maximize self-consumption.
When the "Ensure minimum charging power" function is enabled, and the PV surplus is less than 4,14 kW (for a three-phase charger) or 1,38 kW (for a single-phase charger), charging will continue at these respective values. In these cases, the vehicle will be powered by the system's battery or the electrical grid.
Figure 4 shows more details about this charging mode, in which the “Min. Complementary” field allows you to define the minimum amount of energy that must be supplied to the car.
In the "Max Energy" field, you can set the maximum charging power. When this value is reached, charging will stop. In both fields, the user can view an estimated range based on the set value, as well as set the number of hours the vehicle will charge in "Reach in."
PV+Battery Priority
In this mode, solar photovoltaic energy and the battery will be used to recharge the electric vehicle. On-grid or backup loads will have priority in energy consumption, and any excess will be used to recharge the vehicle.
If the “Guarantee minimum charging power” function is activated, the user ensures that the vehicle will be charged with a constant minimum power — 4,14 kW for three-phase systems or 1,38 kW for single-phase systems — even when solar generation is below these levels.
In these cases, the system automatically supplements energy with batteries or, if necessary, with the electrical grid, ensuring reliability and continuity in the charging process, regardless of solar generation conditions.
Figure 04 illustrates in greater detail how the PV + Battery Priority mode works, in which the electric vehicle is charged preferably with solar energy and, when necessary, with battery support.
In this mode, the user can precisely configure the battery's State of Charge (SoC) usage limit, defining up to what percentage of the stored capacity will be used to power the vehicle. Additionally, it is possible to establish minimum and maximum energy values for charging.
as well as the total desired recharge time.
This flexibility allows the system to be adapted to everyday needs, optimizing the use of available energy and protecting battery life, while ensuring that the vehicle is ready for use within the desired timeframe.
Conclusion
With the advancement of electric mobility and the growing demand for sustainable solutions, GoodWe's HCA G2 chargers stand out for offering a smart, safe, and efficient alternative for charging electric vehicles.
By integrating with photovoltaic and energy storage systems, this solution allows not only more rational use of locally generated energy, but also greater flexibility and autonomy for the user.
With different configurable charging modes, support for multiple authentication methods, and real-time monitoring capabilities, GoodWe chargers contribute to a modern charging infrastructure aligned with current energy efficiency and sustainability requirements.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
