The primary hurdle to switching from gasoline-powered vehicles has been the problem of creating the infrastructure needed—people are hesitant to adopt vehicles if there's nowhere to refuel/recharge them, but if there isn't the demand for those places, they won't be built. But recently, a handful of automakers have signed on to a standard system for charging electric vehicles (EVs). With a standard system, the first step to building the infrastructure necessary to switch to EVs has been made.
Auto123.com has been on top of this development, and we recommend their
coverage of it. The meat of it is as follows:
As announced last year, eight automobile manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche, and Volkswagen) agreed to support a harmonized single-port fast-charging system. The result of their hard work will be on display during the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in Los Angeles from May 6 to 9.
The Combined Charging System (CCS) applies to electric vehicles in Europe and the United States. It apparently enables a full charge in – wait for it – only 15 to 20 minutes!
Fast charging works with home and public stations, and with 120- or 240-volt outlets. As a matter of fact, the International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has chosen the CCS as the fast-charging methodology for a standard that incrementally extends the existing Type 1-based AC-charging.
The technology will be integrated to all new European vehicles starting in 2017.
According to the manufacturers, a harmonized fast-charging standard will accelerate the development of EV infrastructures and reduce costs for owners.
Combined charging stations are scheduled to hit the market later this year. The first vehicles using this technology will be launched in 2013.
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