GM racing toward faster EV charging - Smart Energy Decisions

Energy Efficiency  -  September 4, 2018

GM racing toward faster EV charging

General Motors is developing an extreme fast charger that can deliver up to 180 miles of range to an electric car, such as the Chevy Bolt EV, in 10 minutes. A prototype is expected to be ready by 2020.

A report by Green Car Reports said GM has committed to building a prototype car to work with the new charging system, but says it will not be a production Bolt EV. Plans call for a prototype electric car that will charge up to 180 miles in 10 minutes for a recharge rate of 18 miles per minute. Currently, the Bolt can recharge at 50-kw DC fast charge stations at a rate of about 3 miles per minute.

GM is working with Delta Electronics funded by a grant from the Department of Energy to build the prototype. The project will use solid-state transformers, according to Delta Electronics, and deliver up to 400-kw of power.

Green Car Reports noted that other automakers working on extreme fast charging include Porsche and Aston Martin, which are both working on new 800-volt battery architectures. Porsche says its system will be able to replenish up to 240 miles of range in a 15-minute recharge when it's connected to a 350-kw DC fast charger.

GM is currently developing 20 new electric cars for sale by 2023, some of which may use the new extreme fast charger technology.

 

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