Car manufacturers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen now commonly support a modular connector system for electric vehicle charging.
The brands say that this will ensure that customers always have direct and easy access to the energy grid, independent of vehicle brand and supplier of electric energy.
The company development directors have decided to conceptualise a modular connector system made from two parts: the core of the connector system has been submitted for standardisation under the designation IEC 62196-2 Type 2 for single- up to three-phase charging with alternating current (AC). An extension for direct current (DC) is currently being developed.
All other OEMs have been invited to participate in this development and establish a global standard.
The vehicle connector system was developed by reputable plug connector producers in close collaboration with the automotive industry and will be employed on both the vehicle-side and the charging infrastructure.
The modular connector system consisting of core and extension is applicable to all standard charging scenarios. The performance spectrum of the basic configuration ranges from single-phase charging at a regular domestic socket outlet to three-phase charging at private and public vehicle charging stations, which are currently being rolled out. The extension can be used for charging at direct current charging stations, similar to existing Japanese systems. Thus, the system is prepared for all future direct current charging categories up to fast charging and provides the opportunity for communication over CAN or PLC.
The safety of the system is guaranteed even in case of dirt and adverse weather conditions. A mechanical locking mechanism effectively prevents unintentional interruption of the charging process.
Charging at DC charging stations is a challenge for all national and international suppliers of electric energy and committees to also make a sustainable step towards a customer-oriented offering in this context. With DC charging the technical complexity within the car and the charging time can be reduced.