Plug-in Standards Necessary for Consumer Acceptance of Electric Vehicles Like the Chevy Volt

Slashdot It! Next week during the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) conference in Detroit, the SAE J1772™ Task Force will continue its work by committee to standardize the components that will soon become part of one of the most common driver interactions with a plug-in electric vehicle - plugging in and charging the battery. In order for plug-in electric vehicles to become part of the mainstream, a plug-in “ecosystem” must be in place when vehicles like the Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle hit the market. And for this ecosystem to be robust, there must be commonality, especially when owners are plugging into the electrical grid. Outlet voltages won’t always be the same and the weather will vary based on location, but the vehicle’s charge cord plug and how you use it should always remain the same - regardless of make or model. A vehicle charge cord plug is one of the standard components being developed by automakers under the new committee. A vehicle charge cord plug is one of the standard components being developed by automakers under the new committee. That’s where SAE J1772™ comes into play. You’re already aware we’re working to make the Volt as efficient as possible, but we’re also helping lead the standardization of this plug and how you interact with it as well as the electrical grid. With SAE J1772™, we’re defining what a common electric vehicle conductive charging system architecture will look like for all major automakers in North America, but more importantly, we’re working to resolve general physical, electrical and performance requirements so these systems can be manufactured for safe public use. Through SAE, our industry is working together to answer fundamental questions about plug-in electric vehicles such as battery electrochemistry, optimal battery-size and state of charge, and lifecycle among other issues, but zeroing in on the ergonomics, safety and performance of the charging interface is one of the most basic ways we can help build consumer confidence in plug-ins. Think about it, if you have no reservations or confusion about charging your vehicle, you’re probably going to be more likely to drive one. Drivers shouldn’t have to worry about electromagnetic compatibility, emission and immunity when they need to plug-in - that’s what engineers like me get paid to do. Only by consensus can we ensure the ownership experience of plug-ins will meet all of our customers’ expectations, and fit into the broader ecosystem we all need for plug-ins to be successful. Safe and convenient vehicle charging is just another step to reaching our shared goal, and we expect to have this standard completed by the end of this summer. I look forward to reading your thoughts and comments. Get Daily Updates via Email Protect your computer with Windows Onecare