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General Motors, BMW Finish Testing On DC “Combo” Fast Charging Station

General Motors and BMW AG engineers are pleased with how the industry-coordinated DC “Combo” Fast Charge stations performed after several days of testing. The stations stem from multiple suppliers will consistently allow an electric vehicle to take on an 80 percent charge in about 20 minutes. Still not the five-minute fuel-stop, but they’re getting there.

The stations also set the Society of Automotive Engineers new industry standard for DC fast charging, with the first vehicles from BMW and GM that will benefit from them are the Chevrolet Spark EV and the BMW i3.

The early nod from the automakers will also accelerate efforts to roll out SAE Combo DC Fast Charge infrastructure in the coming months.  Among the suppliers participating in the testing were ABB, Aker Wade, Eaton and IES. In addition, eight automakers – GM, Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche – have committed to adopting the SAE combo fast charge connector, the first steps towards standardization of the DC Fast Charge connectors.

The DC Fast Charge option is expected to be available a few months after the Spark EV launches in California and Oregon this summer, with a starting price of $27,495, before incentives.

Former staff.

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Comments

  1. In addition to commercial charge stations, we need to know if home stations will be developed and marketed. Many EV owners could have two or more BEVs, and a home station will supply power in less than an hour per vehicle.

    Reply
  2. i just purchased a 2014 spark EV on sept. 24, 2013….it was not clearly disclosed that the full fast charging dc receptacle was not installed….and it cannot be installed ever on my car only by the factory.

    so gm is saying the car with the fast charger will be at the dealers on dec 2013 or january 2014

    so my car is really going to be obsolete in a couple of months. GM has responded to me several times with no hope. i don’t know if there will be any incentives from the dealer to get the spark ev with the fast charging option.

    should the dealer have clearly emphasized the limitations of this car? are there any remedies available to me?

    Reply
  3. i understand how the 110 v and 220 v work, the car has a built in battery charger like in my garage.

    but how does the super charger work with over 400 volts dc?

    of course it would be great at home

    Reply

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