Harmonized EV Charging Solution from Seven Auto Manufacturers

A single international approach for DC fast charging is the need of the hour for electric vehicles. This fact has been recognized by Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors (News - Alert), Porsche and Volkswagen. The organizations have agreed on a combined charging system. Electric vehicles or EV in Europe and the United States will therefore now have an international standardized approach for charging.

All charging scenarios have been integrated into one vehicle inlet/charging connector by the combined charging approach of the system. Vehicles can therefore communicate with the charging station in identical ways with this system. The same fast charging stations can be now shared by electric vehicles from Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen.

According to the seven auto manufacturers, customers, the industry and charging infrastructure providers will benefit from the development of a common charging approach. Build complexity for manufacturers will be reduced with standardization. The installation of common systems internationally will be accelerated. The ownership experience for EV drivers will also improve substantially.

Based on reviews and analysis of existing charging strategies, the auto manufacturers have decided to endorse the combined charging system. The ergonomics of the connector and the preferences of customers in both the United States and Europe have also played an important role in endorsement of the combined charging system. A framework for future infrastructure planning will be provided by the harmonized approach. The integration of electric vehicles into the smart grids will be also aided through a communication protocol provided by the harmonized approach.

HomePlug (News - Alert) Green Phy will be used by the seven auto manufacturers as the communication protocol. Integration of the electric vehicle into future smart grid applications will be facilitated through this approach.

In a release, Steve Biegun, vice president of international government affairs at Ford, said, "At Ford, we know how important it is to provide technologically innovative solutions that are convenient for our customers - it's part of our 'One Ford' vision and a key factor in our company's overall success."

According to Biegun, one common approach on charging electric vehicles has been offered by working with other global automakers and governments. Customers will therefore find charging even more convenient.