Global automakers and charging equipment manufacturers gathered at Electrify America Center of Excellence laboratory to test next-generation technologies for electric vehicle charging

Reston, VA (May 21, 2019) – Electrify America’s Center of Excellence technology laboratory provided the setting on May 16-17 for the 11th International Testing Symposium for the Combined Charging System, bringing together more than 200 engineers and technical experts from global automakers, charging equipment manufacturers, charging networks and related companies to test the next-generation technologies for electric vehicle charging.

Several global automakers tested vehicles at the symposium including: Audi; BMW of North America (tested Mini Electric and iX3 pre-production cars); Fiat Chrysler Automobiles; and Karma Automotive.

The symposium, hosted by Electrify America, co-hosted by Hubject and supported by CharIN, brought together international technical experts to test conformance and interoperability for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. The goal for the 11th International Testing Symposium was to facilitate cooperation between international automakers implementing the non-proprietary Combined Charging System (CCS), which is the most widely used standard for EV charging globally.

“As a leader in the development of EV infrastructure, Electrify America was excited to host industry game-changers as we work to set an international standard for EV charging technology,” said Cliff Fietzek, director of technology of Electrify America. “Electrify America recognizes the impact of this technology on the future of electric vehicle charging, specifically in creating customer convenience and encouraging EV adoption.”

Over the course of the two-day event, attendees shared information, research, best practices and data to advance the implementation of ISO 15118, a protocol that enables the most prevalent functionality for the CCS standard. Attendees also tested the “Plug & Charge” feature of ISO 15118 which enables a vehicle to automatically authenticate payment and authorize a charging session using secure digital communication, thereby eliminating the need for membership RFID cards, credit cards or mobile apps.

About Electrify America

Electrify America LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America headquartered in Reston, VA and with an office in Pasadena, CA, is investing $2 billion over 10 years in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, education and access. The investment will enable millions of Americans to discover the benefits of electric driving and support the build-out of a nationwide network of workplace, community and highway chargers that are convenient and reliable. For more information, visit www.electrifyamerica.com.

About Hubject

Hubject simplifies electric vehicle charging. Through its eRoaming platform, called “intercharge”, the eMobility specialist connects charge port operators and eMobility service providers, enabling standardized access to charging infrastructure regardless of network. With over 100,000 connected charging stations and more than 300 B2B partners across 26 countries, intercharge is the world’s largest cross-provider of charging networks for electric vehicles. Hubject is also a trusted consulting partner to automakers, charging providers and other EV-related businesses looking to launch eMobility services or implement Plug&Charge using ISO 15118. Thus, Hubject enables eMobility to make a breakthrough worldwide. Founded in 2012, Hubject is a joint venture of the BMW Group, Bosch, Daimler, EnBW, innogy, Siemens and the Volkswagen Group. Hubject’s headquarters is located in Berlin, with additional business units in Los Angeles and Shanghai. Hubject - HEADING FOR THE FUTURE. For more information on Hubject and its services, please visit www.hubject.com

About CharIN

The Charging Interface Initiative e.V. – abbreviated to CharIN e.V. – is a registered association founded by Audi, BMW, Daimler, Mennekes, Opel, Phoenix Contact, Porsche, TÜV SÜD and Volkswagen. Based in Berlin, Germany it is open to all interested parties. The purpose of the CharIN organization is to develop and establish the Combined Charging System (CCS) as the global standard for charging battery powered electric vehicles. Our goals include: expanding the global network of companies supporting CCS, drafting requirements to accelerate the evolution of charging related standards, and defining a certification system for all manufacturers implementing CCS in their products. In this connection the limits drawn by antitrust laws are to be observed by all members. Visit www.charinev.org to learn more.