At the plug in conference Plug-In 2008 - Convention & Exposition There is a proposed standard Coulomb Technologies, Inc. They mention the Saturn Vue Hybrid and the Volt, but with 20+ EVs announced from various auto makers, I wonder who all really has had input on this?
This was something I was absolutely not worried about not that long ago, but with so many EVs/PHEVs coming out soon, I'm hoping automakers will work something out amongst themselves.
From the Wall Street Journal GM Teams With Dozens Of Utilities on Plug-In Cars GM Teams With Dozens Of Utilities on Plug-In Cars - WSJ.com It seems GM is trying to capture "their way" as the standard.
Standard connectors are going to be pointless. Someone will come up with the EV equivalent of the Travel Plug.
I noticed (selfishly) that SCE was not on the list. Seems weird since automakers know that Southern California is the center of the known car universe. I like that the article wrapped up with the fact that even dirty coal plants are cleaner than thousands of ICE engines. I spend a lot of energy shooting down the long tailpipe argument so it was refreshing to see it out there before someone commented on it
"Standards are great. That's why there are so many of 'em!." Hailstorm posted this on the PBP page: Project Better Place Appoints Patir to Lead International Standardization Efforts | Project Better Place So we are now looking a three standards? Tesla Project Better Place GM Not to unrealistic for 20+ Electric cars coming to market but the fat lady though, is still in the green room...
Lear joins the fray: Green Car Congress: Lear Introduces PHEV and EV Chargers Lear Introduces PHEV and EV Chargers 8 October 2008 Lear Corporation, a leading global automotive supplier of seating, electrical distribution systems and electronic products, has introduced plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and full battery-electric vehicle (BEV) chargers to its global electrical and electronics product portfolio. Lear’s battery charging products include an operating range from 1kW to 6kW, the ability to accommodate wall socket input voltages from 110V to 440V, and the capability to interface with electrical systems around the world. The chargers support both standard and quick charge capabilities, and can be customized to interface with different high-power chemistries, including NiMH and Li-ion. The battery charger performs three electronic functions. FIrst, efficiency enhancing phase adjustments are made to the wall socket’s alternating current. The voltage is rectified to direct current (DC) voltage. The final step is to up-convert the household voltage to approximately 340V&mash;enough to charge a PHEV with 40-mile all-electric range. William Mattingly, Lear’s recently-appointed Vice President of Global Electrical and Electronics Engineering, says that the company has already won several contracts for the chargers beginning with 2011 model year production. A priority for Lear is to expand its presence in the global automotive Electrical and Electronics segment, according to Ray Scott, president of Lear’s Global Electrical and Electronics business. Mattingly came from Chrysler, where he had been vice president of Electrical/Electronics Engineering Core since 2003. He also will lead Lear’s new global Center of Excellence for hybrid electric and high-voltage power systems located on the Southfield Campus, as well as the globalization of wireless products, terminals and connectors and smart junction box technology.
So, these are DC chargers? Some sort of converter box would have to be used to plug a Tesla into them, right?
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/zevprog/hevtest/071608evchargingreq.pdf Tesla connector looks quite different from that 'Mini' plug. Tesla:
Its been interesting after looking at all these different evs that all of them have different plugs. Wouldnt it be easier to set a charging infastrcture into place if all the evs had the same plug?
Well, Yes. But everyone seems to think they need some new feature lacking on other designs. Like higher current flow, extra safety features, or avoidance of royalties.
If they were smart they would have (or will) take a lesson from DVDs. "...No single company "owns" DVD. The official specification was developed by a consortium of ten companies: Hitachi, JVC, Matsushita, Mitsubishi, Philips, Pioneer, Sony, Thomson, Time Warner, and Toshiba. Representatives from many other companies also contributed in various working groups. In May 1997, the DVD Consortium was replaced by the DVD Forum, which is open to all companies, and as of 2005 had over 250 members...." and "The official DVD specification books are available after signing a nondisclosure agreement and paying a $5,000 fee. One book is included in the initial fee; additional books are $500 each..." and "...ECMA has developed international standards for DVD-ROM..." DVD FAQ Here's why: "In fact, before its third birthday in March 2000, DVD had become the most successful consumer electronics entertainment product ever." DVD FAQ