Eight automakers announced an agreement to standardize charging systems for electric cars, saying harmonized technology will speed up charging times.
Ford, General Motors, Chrysler-Daimler, Audi, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen agreed to combine "one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging at home and ultra-fast DC-charging at public stations into one vehicle inlet."
Standardization will "allow customers to charge at most existing charging stations regardless of power source and may speed more affordable adoption of a standardized infrastructure," they say.
The International Society of Automotive Engineers selected the system based on an analysis of existing alternatives and preferences of customers. It will available for all 2013 models in the US and Europe.
The uniform standard will have identical electrical systems, charge controllers, package dimensions and safety mechanisms and will be adopted internationally.
Automakers will display the charging systems at the upcoming Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.
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