Seven major automakers have agreed on a standardized DC fast-charging system for the United States and Europe. 

Seven major automakers have agreed on a standardized DC fast-charging system for the United States and Europe. EVs from Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen will use the same charging connectors, and the same protocol to communicate with the charging station.

That’s one more objection eliminated in the mind of potential EV buyers – the fear of pulling up to a charging station on your last watt, only to find that the plug doesn’t fit. It’s also one less headache for makers of charging stations and those thinking of installing them.

The system incorporates all charging scenarios, and is backward-compatible with the J1772 connector standard in the US, and the IEC 62196 Type 2 European standard. HomePlug GreenPHY was selected as the communication protocol.

There’s no word yet on whether Toyota, Nissan and other EV trendsetters will sign on to the new standard, but history shows that once a majority of players agree, standards wars soon get settled, to the benefit of all.

Image: Ford