New task on quick charging technology of electric vehicles in IEA IA-HEV (Hybrid and electric vehicles)

The Task 20 was approved by the Implementing Agreement-Hybrid and Electrical Vehicle of the International Energy Agency in November 2011 and plans to run through the end of 2014. It addresses quick charging technology for plug-in electric vehicles, with the following goals; discuss objectively how quick charging technology can contribute to the deployment of electric vehicles, share knowledge on quick charging technology deployment developments and trends, get consensus and provide joint conclusions to the stakeholders related to the standardization process. This initiative aims at ensuring the build-up of a framework to facilitate the use and smoothly integrated quick charging technology in deployment of a larger electric vehicle in real roads. A large event was held in Japan last June 2013 focused on business cases with the participation of a large number of worldwide top experts, from OEMs, utilities, charger providers and public administration representatives. Some key findings of the discussions at the Task 20 workshop include that there is no single business model for QC to succeed. The trend is for QC customers to charge their EVs for about 15 minutes, which charges the battery to between 50 and 80 percent of capacity. This implies that the customers can use services such as shopping while their EV is charging. According to some studies, fast charges occur most frequently in the evening, often coinciding with grid peak demand. Solutions to avert excessive demand charges could include adaptive power electronics, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and V2X solutions, and integrating QC with renewable resources and energy storage. However, more demonstration data is required to solve technological and non-technological barriers. Due to the co-existence of CHAdeMO standard and SAE Combo connectors fleets, compatibility of various chargers and EVs will need to be tested as well as harmonization of test procedures are also necessary.