GM Pushes for Standardized EV Plug

Compatibility can be a huge headache. You know, power cords, headphone jacks, etc. Wouldn't it be nice if everything was just standardized? Certainly would. Automakers are trying to avoid that same headache on a much bigger and more important scale; the future of the automobile. Because of that, the companies are working on a standardized electric vehicle charging plug. I'm glad it's something that's being discussed ahead of time before tons of non-compatible vehicles are out there on the road.

This is exactly what needs to be done in order to help open the doors to electric vehicle adoption. Eliminating confusion over things like this will reduce anxiety and help break down barriers in people's minds. It's just makes sense. Say you're an potential buyer of either a pure electric-vehicle or a range-extended electric vehicle. You want to know you can charge your vehicle anywhere, not needing special connectors or adapters to make it happen. The process needs to be straightforward and this will go along way towards doing that.

Why spend billions developing a charging infrastructure that is only compatible with a certain vehicle?  There needs to be a complete network that is accessible to all electric vehicles. GM in particular is really pushing for this; it's a sponsor to the SAE World Congress and the J1772 connector standard. They're really wanting this standard completed quickly as the Volt's 2010 launch date is quickly approaching.

I do think the standard is more pertinent for electric-only manufacturers like Tesla and Nissan, as well as the Circuit EV from Chrysler. But, if there is a really comprehensive network it might enable even plug-in range-extended electric vehicles to operate on electric power for even longer periods of time.

So 2010 looks to be a big year for alternative fuels, with Nissan launching it's EV and Chrysler aiming for a launch of it's Circuit EV then as well. The standard could be finalized as soon as this fall. The proposed standard is currently undergoing certification testing by Underwriters Labs and that is supposed to be finished by the end of next month.

After that the standard will go to balloting and that could result in adoption within a few months. GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Tesla are the companies participating in or supporting the new standard. Tesla even plans to retrofit it's older vehicles to fit the standard, and would have the new plug ready to go for the Model S when it debuts.

Hopefully testing will go well and we can see adoption of the standard later this year! The work being done is a huge step toward helping the commercial success of the companies involved.