Engineers from GM and BMW have jointly tested several charging stations that use the new SAE Combo standard, charging pre-production versions of the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Spark EV. Equipment suppliers who participated in the testing include ABB, Aker Wade, Eaton and IES.

“Our goal with this cooperation was to ensure that DC fast charging stations be available to provide BMW i customers the premium fast charging experience in time for the arrival of the BMW i3s,” said BMW’s Cliff Fietzek. “We are pleased that we will meet our goal.”

“This unprecedented cooperation among OEMs and equipment suppliers demonstrates the maturity of this important technology that will help speed the adoption of electric vehicles around the world,” said GM’s Britta Gross.

The major US and European automakers have committed to adopting the SAE Combo connector, which incorporates AC and DC charging on the same plug. The Spark EV and the BMW i3 will be the first vehicles to offer the new connector.

“This successful testing is an important milestone that underscores our commitment to enable the next generation of electric vehicles,” noted ABB’s Cal Lankton. “By offering a broad charging portfolio, we can fully support the needs of all EV drivers and infrastructure providers.”

Source: GM