Electric charging gets closer

The electric-car future moved a step closer today (Thursday, September 16) with Germany's major car makers agreeing to one common connector system.

Until now, up to six connector systems have been in use in prototypes around the world, leaving battery, car and infrastructure developers scratching their heads on which way to go. No global standard, like the computer industry's USB port, has been agreed to.

But Audi, BMW, MINI, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz and smart), Volkswagen and Porsche have agreed to move forward using a modular system with two parts: one for Alternating Current, which has been submitted for standardization as IEC 62196-2 Type 2, and a development of this system for Direct Current charging.

The support of the Volkswagen Group also means the connector system will find favour with Spanish car maker SEAT (which will show its IBE electric car at next month's Paris Motor Show), England's Bentley and Skoda in the Czech Republic.

The new system is a modular concept and has been engineered for the future to be able to not only charge electric cars, but to optimize billing procedures as well and provide two-way communication via both CAN and PLC systems.

It can be used with single-phase charging from a normal household power socket or three-phase charging from public infrastructure, while its DC systems should be operational by 2013.

The move means at least European governments can begin rolling out electric-car charging infrastructure -- even if the French industry still prefers to go its own way.

The German makers insisted the hardware was guaranteed to be safe and efficient, even with dirt or wet weather around, with a mechanical locking system ensuring the charging process can't be accidentally interrupted.

"Comparable to the standard established for gasoline dispensers and compatible filler necks, a common worldwide charging connector and the appropriate data interface are important milestones on the journey to a ubiquitous e-mobility," a joint statement from the makers said.

"This is the only way customers receive the opportunity along the lines of the existing gas station network to 'refuel' energy for their cars everywhere without additional adapters.

"Therefore, the setup of a functioning infrastructure is an essential requirement for the customer-friendly individual mobility of the future."

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