What is a primary function of a battery charger in an electric propulsion system?

In the context of an electric propulsion system, the primary function of a battery charger is to charge batteries. Battery chargers are specifically designed to restore the energy stored in batteries so they can continue to provide power for the electric propulsion system.

When batteries discharge during operation, they lose their stored energy, which must be replenished to maintain performance. The charger supplies the necessary electrical energy back into the batteries, ensuring they remain fully charged and are capable of powering the system when needed.

While generating electricity and converting AC to DC power are functions associated with different components in the system (like generators or inverters), the specific role of a battery charger revolves around the maintenance and replenishment of battery energy. Storing electric energy, too, is not the direct function of the charger; rather, it is facilitated through the batteries themselves where the energy is ultimately stored. Therefore, charging batteries is indeed the fundamental role of the charger within an electric propulsion system.