Volvo calls for global charging standard
Volvo has called for the introduction of standardised charging infrastructure for electric cars.
It believes that a simple, standardised, fast and global charging infrastructure is needed to cement this technology and ensure customers fully embrace electric vehicles.
Volvo’s senior vice president for research and development Dr Peter Mertens said, ‘We see that a shift towards fully electric cars is already underway, as battery technology improves, costs fall and charging infrastructure is put in place.
‘But while we are ready from a technology perspective, the charging infrastructure is not quite there yet. To really make range anxiety a thing of the past, a globally standardised charging system is sorely needed.’
To support this drive, Volvo has given its backing to the Charging Interface Initiative, a consortium of stakeholders founded to establish its Combined Charging System (CCS) as the standard for charging battery-powered vehicles.
The Combined Charging System will offer both regular and fast-charging capabilities and combines single-phase with rapid three-phase charging, using alternating current at a maximum of 43 kilowatts (kW), as well as direct-current charging at a maximum of 200 kW and the future possibility of up to 350 kW.
Dr Mertens said, ‘We are very happy to support and be involved in the setting of standards for electric vehicle charging systems. The lack of such a standard is one of the main obstacles for growing electric vehicles’ share of the market.’
The Charging Interface Initiative is currently in the process of drawing up requirements for the evolution of charging-related standards and certification for use by car makers around the globe.
