TÜV SÜD: Technologically mature charging systems for EV-infrastructure
TÜV SÜD: Technologically mature charging systems for EV-infrastructure
Safe, simple and convenient charging of electric vehicles (EV) is possible today. Plug-in charging systems are ready for use and wireless charging stations are good alternatives for expanding the EV infrastructure. These are the results of a cooperation between TÜV SÜD and energy supplier E.ON, within the scope of which wired and wireless charging systems were tested over several months to determine whether they are safe, functional and suitable for everyday use. Today (Wednesday 14 September), the project partners presented their results at a press conference at the IAA in Frankfurt. Horst Schneider, Member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG, particularly welcomed the fact that German manufacturers have followed the example set by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, ACEA, and adopted the Type 2 plug as the uniform standard for EV charging systems: "A uniform standard is important to ensure planning certainty, and thus rapid development in electromobility."
 | Is the charging point installed months ago in the supermarket car park safe? Does the present technological maturity of charging systems permit the large-scale expansion and establishment of a blanket EV infrastructure? Does exposure to electromagnetic radiation during charging pose a health hazard? These questions are controversial ones even among electromobility experts. The answer of TÜV SÜD AG and E.ON: No problem. The safe recharging of electric vehicles by means of both plug-in and wireless charging systems is possible today. |
Given this, there are no more obstacles to the everyday use of e-cars. These are the results of a development project in which TÜV SÜD worked with E.ON to test various charging systems and examine their suitability for establishing EV-infrastructure. According to these results and from a technical perspective, the establishment of a Germany-wide EV-infrastructure, comprising a mix of battery switch stations, DC fast charge stations and future wireless charging stations, can be launched today. "Our tests show that from a technical perspective there are no obstacles to the rapid establishment of an EV charging infrastructure", says Horst Schneider, Member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG.
TÜV SÜD also gives the all-clear regarding possible health consequences caused by electromagnetic radiation or possible interference with electronic equipment such as advanced driver assistance systems, navigation systems or mobile phones. In-depth studies of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) proved that EV charging stations do not involve any hazards for health or technology. Testing was performed in the EMC laboratory of TÜV SÜD subsidiary SENTON in Straubing, Bavaria, one of Europe's cutting-edge laboratories. Various wireless charging stations were subjected to an especially developed testing procedure using the limit values applied to medical devices. The results demonstrated that the systems are safe under all possible conditions and can now be further developed to market maturity. Even though the systems are safe, they all come with an emergency shut-off. The sensors of this emergency shutoff interrupt power supply if, say, a pet gets caught accidentally between the charging pad and the vehicle.
The tests proved not only that wireless charging systems meet high safety standards, but also that they have a very high efficiency of over 90 per cent. For Horst Schneider, Member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG, these signals are important for the future establishment of EV infrastructure: "Our results clearly demonstrate that wireless charging systems are a promising and sustainable alternative for powering electric cars in public urban areas.“
Caution when charging electric cars at home
At present, plug-in charging systems still play a more important role. TÜV SÜD confirms that these charging systems are basically very safe – provided, however, they are certified, flawlessly maintained and used correctly. In this context, for example, the project partners point out that there are reservations regarding the suitability of electric plug sockets in private homes for recharging electric cars, particularly against the backdrop that the wiring in an estimated 11 million households in Germany was installed before 1960 and designed for a maximum rating of under 12 amperes. As the charging of electric cars requires high currents over long periods, only very few household plug sockets meet the technical requirements according to experts. "EV recharging normally involves 13 amperes of current over ten hours. This may lead to overheating, particularly in older wiring systems", explains Volker Blandow, Head of E-Mobility at TÜV SÜD.
Charging system mix for Germany-wide EV infrastructure
The experts assume that ultimately a Germany-wide EV infrastructure will comprise more than one charging solution. A mix comprising various solutions will be used in the present phase of transition until electrically powered vehicles have reached the stage of mass production and become a true alternative to the combustion engine. This mix will primarily include the plug-in AC charging systems already available. These systems will be increasingly complemented by DC fast charge stations and wireless charging stations in the future. The latter offer certain advantages for large-scale expansion in particular, as parking pads can be installed out of sight under asphalt surfaces, thus eliminating the need for visible charging stations and changes to the cityscape.
Schneider expressly welcomed the announcement made at the IAA that German manufacturers, like the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association before, agreed on Type 2 plugs as the uniform standard for charging systems: "A uniform standard provides manufacturers with a reliable basis for design and development and will accelerate the further development of e-mobility."
Picture caption: The technology of EV charging systems is already mature for everyday use. This was the core statement of TÜV SÜD and E.ON at a joint press conference on Wednesday (14 September) at the IAA. From left to right: Volker Blandow, Global Head e-mobility TÜV SÜD, Ruth Werhahn, Head of the Group Initiative Electro-Mobility at E.ON AG and Horst Schneider, Member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG.
Note for editors: The photo can be downloaded from the Internet in camera-ready resolution at www.tuev-sued.de/pressefotos under the heading "Current Press Photos".
 | "Use our know-how. Shape your future." is the motto of TÜV SÜD at the 2011 International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt am Main from 15– 25 September. The central themes of TÜV SÜD's presence at the trade fair in Hall 8, Stand A19 are innovative services for the automotive sector and electromobility. Visit us at the IAA. Further information about TÜV SÜD's activities at the IAA can be found at www.tuev-sued.de/iaa2011 |
Contact: Frank Volk