Electric Vehicle Fast Charging System Demonstrated at Electric Vehicle Symposium 26

Marking a milestone in one of the key hindrances to plague electric vehicles (EVs) thus far, eight of the word’s automakers have agreed to unify on a harmonized charging system capable of a 15-minute recharge.

Offering a harmonized system or a lack thereof isn’t the problem, but offering an efficient way of charging EVs across the range of makes is. Much like any other device that relies on batteries and needs to be charged, anything that simplifies and speeds the charging process is helpful to consumers. Imagine a unified cell phone charger. It would enable pubic charging stations to keep your mobile juiced.

The same idea applies to EVs, and it seems automakers are recognizing the merit of offering broad customer convenience. With that in mind, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed to cooperate in implementing a fast charging system. The system will be demonstrated at the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26, taking place from May 6 though 9 in L.A.

With the new system, cars will be able to accept varying forms of AC and DC charge to create a dynamic system capable of receiving ultra-fast DC-charging at public stations as well as AC charging, fast three-phase AC charging and DC-charging at home.

Each of the participating automakers already have vehicles in development that will be capable of using the new combined charging system which was chosen by the Society of Automotive Engineers to become the standard which will be officially published this summer.

While fast charging technology still lags behind the time it takes an average gas car to refuel, offering sub half hour speeds is a big improvement over the 20 hours it takes to recharge a Nissan Leaf on a standard 120-volt household outlet.