Report: US to test Japan’s CHAdeMO quick charging system for EVs
30 December 2010
The Yomiuri Shimbun reports that the US will incorporate 310 quick charges using Japan’s standardized CHAdeMO system (earlier post) in its large scale EV tests being held in Arizona, California, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon and Washington State.
This will be the first time a large number of quick chargers using the CHAdeMO Method are used overseas and is seen as an initial step toward the Japan system becoming the world standard.
...While competition is intensifying worldwide over how to standardize charger systems, Japan’s CHAdeMo quick charger system is likely to be the global standard if it becomes widespread in the United States, observers said.
In March, 158 companies, including Nissan Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and TEPCO, set up the CHAdeMO Association to unify standards in Japan. The association has begun full-scale efforts to spread the system overseas.
I don't see this as a big issue but it is still good to get ahead of the game with a standard charge system.
I remember how worrisome it was (esp. if you had a leaking tire) until Roosevelt passed the Paper-Schrader act.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 30 December 2010 at 08:36 AM
Good point TT. A unique international charge standard may be difficult to do but a universal plug could accommodate various national power sources and charge intensities. This way an electrified vehicle could be sold worldwide without modification. It is already done with TV (HDMI), Cameras (mini USB), PC (USB 1.0 & 2.0 & 3.0) etc, why not with electrified vehicles.
Standardized charging points could be installed at any time most everywhere.
Posted by: HarveyD | 30 December 2010 at 08:47 AM
@HarveyD,
It's not that simple. The SAE J1772 receptacle on nearly all of the 2011 electric cars is a worldwide standard, but it doesn't accommodate high-voltage DC fast charge. CHAdeMO proposed a separate plug for DC fast charge that is on the Leaf and i-MiEV and which a ton of companies have endorsed, but the SAE J1772 committee is considering an alternative that would add two chunky DC pins to their plug, so you'd only need one receptacle for both AC and DC. The great slides http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/earthobservationsSCC/IEEE_SAE_J1772_Update_10_02_08_Gery_Kissel.pdf outline this and other differences. Meanwhile in Europe the Germans still hope the Mennekes connector for even more powerful AC charging and possible DC will take off; the current SAE J1772 isn't that interesting in Europe because a standard domestic wall socket can already supply 230V 13 amps.
No doubt there's political maneuvering involved as well. GM doesn't sell a car capable of fast DC charge and is marketing against EV range anxiety, so they and no doubt other SAE members are happy to go slow on approving DC fast charge while Nissan is raring to go.
Posted by: skierpage | 31 December 2010 at 12:50 AM
Thanks skierpage. Indeed GM is going slow on even higher current AC charging by limiting the amperage in their 220V function. None of this is a terrible thing. Different electrical systems on different continents has been only a minor irritation for travelers.
Since few people transfer cars between continents - it will not be a big problem in the future of EVs. Leaving standards open to innovation is also a concern. If we were to lock-in a single global standard - there is little opportunity to evolve to more innovative designs.
DC fast charge has significant safety issues. e.g. what happens if a fast charging vehicle slips its brake in the rain??
Posted by: Reel$$ | 31 December 2010 at 01:48 PM
Interesting and it will be worked out and the evetual winner or winners will be the best (or at least close enough).
Yup - "None of this is a terrible thing. Different electrical systems on different continents has been only a minor irritation for travelers. .
Since few people transfer cars between continents - it will not be a big problem in the future of EVs."
Posted by: ToppaTom | 01 January 2011 at 12:18 PM
We do not need people with EVs in California parking at charging stations and finding that they are not compatible. That is less likely to happen with standards, but if it does, that will be another reason not to buy an EV.
Posted by: SJC | 01 January 2011 at 02:22 PM