A NEW FAST CHARGER

Siemens cuts the charging time for electric cars with a new charging point by 50%
25 February 2011 (World of Renewables)

"…Siemens is launching a charging point Charge CP700A on the European market which can charge electric cars with a normal battery capacity within an hour. The charging power has been doubled to 22 kW in the new series, which cuts the charging time in half."

[Ralph Griewing, electrical mobility team head, Siemens Energy:] "When developing the new charging point, we set ourselves three objectives: Charging must be fast, easy to do and safe. And these objectives were achieved in full…"

Siemens is entering a crowded field...(click to enlarge)

"The Siemens Charge CP700A charging point can be used to charge electric cars of different power ratings. In the fastest operating mode, the vehicle is supplied with a three-phase AC voltage at a current of 32 A, and is therefore charged at a power level of 22 kW. Charging is, however, also possible at 20 A…The charging point communicates with the vehicle over the charging cable to determine whether the electric car supports charging at maximum current or only at a reduced current level…For vehicles such as electrically powered two-wheelers…currently charged through a household plug, single-phase charging is also possible…"

[Ralph Griewing, electrical mobility team head, Siemens Energy:] "To make charging as easy as filling a car with fuel, we have equipped the charging point with a screen that guides the user through the process. The ambient lighting indicates whether the charging point is in use or available…[and] Siemens remains uncompromising as far as safety is concerned: In addition to normal locking of the connector as protection against unauthorized removal during the charging process, the charging flap on the column is also locked…"

...and an exploding market. (click to enlarge)

"…The user can log on for charging and subsequent billing by means of contact-free radio chips…The Charge CP700A charging point is of modular design and its user prompting is programmable and available in different languages. The charging point can also be linked to a control center…that can be built in…for remote monitoring and remote maintenance…[and] implementation in a Smart Grid…

"The temperature of the socket outlets and the internal space of the charging point is monitored. In the event of a fault, or in the case of unfavorable ambient conditions that would result in overheating, the charging point automatically interrupts the charging process safely and reliably…"