GM and BMW Complete Testing of DC Fast Charge Station Use

GM and BMW are now confident that the new DC “Combo” Fast Charge stations will allow an electric vehicle to charge up to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.

BMW_i3_Coupe_Concept

GM and BMW are now confident that the new DC “Combo” Fast Charge stations will allow an electric vehicle to charge up to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. Both automakers jointly tested the new fast chargers, which are set to significantly improve the charging experience.
2014-Chevrolet-SparkEV

The first electric vehicles expected to benefit from the Society of Automotive Engineers new industry standard for DC fast charging are the Chevy Spark EV and the BMW i3.

“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 Britta Gross, GM director, advanced vehicle commercialization policy.

“Our goal with this cooperation was to ensure that DC fast charging stations be available to provide BMW i3 customers the premium fast charging experience in time for the arrival of the BMW i3,” said Cliff Fietzek, manager connected e-Mobility at BMW of North America LLC. “We are pleased that we will meet our goal.”

The new combined AC and DC charging, or combo, connector provides added ease of use for DC Fast Charging, including a single charge port on the vehicle, and allows electricity to flow at a faster rate, making EVs more convenient and reliable to use for consumers who may not have access to overnight charging at home.

The DC Fast Charge option is expected to be available a few months after the Spark EV launches in California and Oregon this summer.

Source: GM