A standard modular connector system for electric vehicle charging – that’s what German automakers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen all want to see introduced as soon as possible.
The partners first put the idea forward at the California Air Resource Board ZEV Technology Symposium last year and now they have reiterated their calls for an integrated standard that ensures customers always have direct and easy access to the energy grid no matter what vehicle brand they drive or who is supplying the electricity.
Currently there are two primary AC charger standards – IEC 62196-2 Type I, proposed by the Japanese and SAE J1772, and IEC 62196-2 Type II, put forward by the Europeans. The company development directors have come up with a modular connector system that is made from two parts with the core of the connector system submitted for standardisation under IEC 62196-2 Type II for single up to three-phase charging with alternating current. All other manufacturers have been invited to participate in this development to help establish a global standard.
It is hoped that with the extension component, charging with direct current can be realised by 2013. The manufacturers are also aiming for short-term availability of vehicles and infrastructure for fast charging.
Together, the German manufacturers are now working on the next steps of standardisation and will look for a dialogue with other manufacturers, network providers and utility companies.
