Standards for Level 1, 2 or 3 Charging from a Single Source and Connector Almost Here

[xcel]

EVS26 will showcase the latest SAE ideas and manufacturer collaboration.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 4, 2012

Commercially available Level 1, 2 and 3 “Combined Charging System” may make Level 3 CHAdeMO obsolete?

Ford, Chrysler and GM are but three of the large OEM’s currently working to standardize connectors and protocols and decrease charging times.

US and German automakers will be demonstrating Level 3 DC fast-charging systems for future PHEV and BEV electrified vehicles in as little as 15-20 minutes.

Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche and VW have agreed to support a world standard single-port fast charging approach – called DC-fast charging with a Combined Charging System – for use on electric vehicles in Europe and the United States.

Live charging demonstrations will be conducted during the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 (EVS26) May 6-9.

The International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has chosen the Combined Charging System as the fast-charging methodology for a standard that incrementally extends the existing Type 1-based single phase AC-charging. The standard is will be officially published this summer. ACEA, the European association of vehicle manufacturers has also selected the Combined Charging System as its AC/DC-charging interface for all new vehicle types in Europe beginning in 2017.

The combined charging system integrates one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging at home and ultra-fast DC-charging at public stations into one vehicle inlet to save cost and remove compatibility issues looking forward. This will allow customers to charge at most existing charging stations regardless of power source and may speed more affordable adoption of a standardized infrastructure.

The charging system design was based on the collaborative review and analysis of existing charging strategies around the globe, the ergonomics of the connector and preferences of U.S. and European customers. The Combined Charging System was developed for all international vehicle markets and creates a uniform standard with identical electrical systems, charge controllers, package dimensions and safety mechanisms.

The system maximizes capability for integration with future smart grid developments through common broadband communication methods regardless of the global location of the charging system. The combined charging approach will reduce development and infrastructure complexity, improve charging reliability, reduce the total cost-of-ownership for end customers and provide low maintenance costs.

Ford’s chief nameplate engineer for Global Electrified Programs, Eric Kuehn:

We purposely left out a Level 3 charging solution for the 2012 Ford Focus Electric because the SAE standards are not yet completed. Once standardized, the Focus Electric will incorporate the single all encompassing SAE charging port, connector and system.

Commercially available Level 1, 2 and 3 combined charging stations are projected to be available later this year. All committed OEMs have vehicles in development which will use the Combined Charging System.

[herm]

Think of all the adapters you will have to carry in the trunk

Good news on the Focus BEV.

[herm]

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012...-20120504.html

ABB launching Terra 51 DC fast charger in US market; Combo charging standard prototype at EVS26

"ABB has entered the US market for electric vehicle charging solutions with the launch of its Terra 51 direct current (DC) charger. The Terra 51 is CHAdeMO-certified and services all DC fast-charge capable cars that are currently on the market. At EVS26, ABB will also showcase the first prototype of a Terra 51 that supports the Combo charging standard, adopted by US and European carmakers.

The Terra 51 is an intelligent DC fast charger that reduces electric vehicle charging times from eight hours, using regular alternating current (AC), to as little as 15 to 30 minutes. The Terra 51 was initially launched in Europe in 2010 as the region’s first commercially available DC charging station and is well established as the leading fast charger in terms of installed base, reliability and functionality, according to the company.

The Terra 51 will be manufactured in New Berlin, Wisconsin and is available for delivery in the second half of this year."

[rfruth]

car dongle anyone

[waltermlee]

It will be interesting how they achieve a 15 minute Level 3 recharge - because after 60% State of Charge the current state of battery tech starts resisting recharging and the recharge rate slows down exponentially. Also - if there is excessive current/charge - an ultracapacitors would not have the ability to hold that much excessive current/power. I suspect a new kind of battery tech/chemistry would be required to do a 15 minute Level 3 recharge...a demostration would be needed to convince me its working though.

[herm]

The A123 LiFePO4 chemistry does 15 minutes routinely* to a full charge, without any harm. The cell can be force charged because its full at 3.6V, but can be pushed briefly** up to 4.2V to speed up charge uptake. Regular lithium-ion cells would act as you describe, the Leaf charges to 80% (and not from zero either) in 30 minutes, the last 20% top-off can take 45 minutes and the cells will heat up a bit. The iMiev will do an 80% charge in 20 minutes IIRC.

The Chevy Spark will use A123 cells, no details have been given on its fast charge ability.. the Coda sedan uses Lifen LiFePO4 cells but no fast charge port is provided.

* Its in their spec page, and many people do it
** A123 says 1 hour max at 4.2V with their A1 cylindrical cells, probably not so with their automotive grade pouch cells