Electric Vehicle Charge Times Poised to Shorten Dramatically

By
Eric Novak
– October 15, 2012Posted in: Enviro Dad Test Drive, Enviro News and Events
While Electric Vehicles, in the eyes of many, represents the future of automobiles they have been hampered thus far by certain technological limitations.  One such limitation has been the significant time period required to fully charge up batteries when depleted – in some cases taking as much as 16 – 20 hours to fully charge.  However news today has just been released regarding a global enginerring breakthrough that when implemented, stands to reduce charge times of electric vehicles dramatically.
A new technical standard for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV) has been approved and just published today by SAE International, “a global association of more than 133,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.” The SAE International standard is a huge step forward for EV and PHEV charging.
Developed in a consensus environment by more than 190 global experts representing automotive, charging equipment, utilities industries and national labs, “J1772™: SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Couple” enable charging time to be reduced from as long as eight hours to as short as 20 minutes.
“This new technical standard is a real game-changer,” Andrew Smart, Director of Industry Relations and Business Development for SAE International, said. “It reflects the advancements in technology within PHEV and EV engineering and we are pleased to represent the collaborative efforts within industry that made it possible.”
Currently, the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi I-MiEV are the only EV models to already come equipped with the fast charging system.  General Motors has announced that next year it will launch the Chevolet Spark EV, and it too will be equipped with the fast chargins system. GM also produces the Chevrolet Volt which is an Electric Vehicle with extended range capabilities.
Ford, which currently sells the Ford Focus EV said in a statement that it supports the new standard in part because it “augments and is compatible with the existing electric vehicle charging standard employed by all automakers in the U. S.”
More on this announcement is available from a Press Release prepared by SAE.
Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.