European standards will harmonise electric vehicle charging

New harmonised standards are being discussed that will allow recharging of electric vehicles across Europe. The move is required as part of a drive to achieve sustainable transport, as standardisation of the connection between the electricity grid and electric vehicles will help e-mobility gain a viable market share. A single harmonised plug system is needed for the recharging of electric vehicles on both the vehicle and the infrastructure sides. Various motoring and industry associations are involved in th
June 8, 2012 Read time: 2 mins

New harmonised standards are being discussed that will allow recharging of electric vehicles across Europe.

The move is required as part of a drive to achieve sustainable transport, as standardisation of the connection between the electricity grid and electric vehicles will help e-mobility gain a viable market share. A single harmonised plug system is needed for the recharging of electric vehicles on both the vehicle and the infrastructure sides. Various motoring and industry associations are involved in the issue and all agree that this needs to be solved as soon as possible. Recharging infrastructure is already installed in different Member States but before this is phased in on a wider scale, standard technologies will need to be used. The 2465 European Commission has to ensure the implementation of a single solution for the charging of electrically-chargeable vehicles in Europe as a result. This move will provide predictability to investors, enable economies of scale, reduce costs for stakeholders and is essential in increasing user acceptance. At present different countries in Europe use different types of plugs for electrical apparatus. The two pin socket used widely in many countries is not considered safe in others for example and any new charging system will have to be acceptable to all European Member States.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Transport the key to economic growth
    July 12, 2012
    Delegates from around the world discussed the future of global transport at the 2009 International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany In the face of the global economic downturn, transport will play a key role in supporting economic growth and in the creation of new confidence in the world's economic future, the delegates of the 2009 International Transport Forum (ITF) agreed. As almost all global threats have strong, central links and impacts, the transport sector will remain at the forefront of most glob
    Read More
  • The Preston Western Distributor
    September 7, 2023
    Costain, as main contractor for the Preston Western Distributor project, was involved from the earliest stages, thanks to the UK’s Early Contractor Involvement approach. The project was delivered on time and on budget to the benefit of the local environment, local businesses and the region’s workforce. David Arminas reports*
    Read More
  • London expected to become EV capital of Europe, says Frost & Sullivan
    March 16, 2012
    The array of initiatives such as the ‘Plugged-in Place’ project and eco incentive programmes in diverse locations of the United Kingdom, have made the ownership and the use of electric vehicles a reasonable option.
    Read More
  • EU research projets underway
    July 19, 2012
    Several important EU-funded road research projects will impact on recycling and life-cycle thinking Three new European Union-funded road research related projects have started and they are likely to have an impact on recycling and life-cycle thinking. The RE-Road project aims to develop knowledge and innovative technologies for enhanced end-of-life strategies for asphalt roads. Such a strategy has an important impact on the energy efficiency and the environmental footprint of the European transport system a
    Read More

Highlighted Content