Electrical Safety of Plug-In Electric Vehicles: Shielding the Public from Shock

This article discusses fundamental electrical safety issues, especially protection against electric shock, for those interacting with electric vehicles (EVs). The safety of users may be challenged by the vehicle's increased operating voltages, at different frequencies, possibly making the protection against direct and indirect contacts more complex. The article examines vehicles' electrical safety under both normal operating conditions and in the case of electrical and/or mechanical failure. Safety during charging in reference to different charge modes is also discussed. Furthermore, solutions are proposed for improving safety in light of applicable technical standards and the evolution of the technology.