E-mobility

Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) e. V. How can CharIN e. V. dominate the global e-mobility market?

CharIN logo

2024-10-18

CharIN e. V. – much more than just a committee

CharIN e. V. was founded in 2015 with the aim of establishing fast charging with the Combined Charging System (CCS) in Europe. For this reason, Phoenix Contact joined forces with well-known automobile manufacturers to form the Charging Interface Initiative, or CharIN for short. Today, with more than 300 members, the association stands for much more than just charging electric cars.
All members have a shared vision: establishing a global standard with a global infrastructure. The CharIN initiative is dedicated to the continuous further development of technologies, the introduction of the megawatt charging system, and the realization of a secure charging and payment protocol for a cleaner and greener future. Together, the aim is to achieve the next e-mobility milestones.

Founding members of CharIN e. V.

A look into the past: how did it all begin?

CharIN e. V. was founded in 2015 by several OEMs and market leaders of the e-mobility value chain and now has over 300 members worldwide. The Charging Interface Initiative e. V. (CharIN) has always been committed to establishing the Combined Charging System (CCS) as the global standard for charging battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). To promote the interoperability of charging devices, vehicles, and software systems, cross-industry players such as automobile manufacturers, charging station manufacturers, component suppliers, energy suppliers, and grid operators work together under the umbrella of CharIN. This alliance is committed to compatible charging, so that vehicles, charging stations, and software systems work together seamlessly. With the shared vision of a uniform standard, CharIN strives for sustainable mobility and energy on a global level. The committee supports the electrification of various vehicle types as a key technology for clean transport and a greener future. The main task of CharIN is to promote worldwide acceptance. As a part of this, various connector types and charging systems are being harmonized to simplify the charging of electric vehicles, to enable cross-border travel, and to accelerate the market penetration of electric vehicles.

Along with leading German automobile manufacturers and TÜV SÜD, Phoenix Contact is one of the founding members of CharIN e. V., which is driving the fast charging of electric cars forward and playing a decisive role in the further development of e-mobility. As the pacesetter for setting standards, Phoenix Contact has made a significant contribution to establishing the Combined Charging System.

Global infrastructure networked on a world map

Networked global infrastructure creates interoperability

What is the vision of global infrastructure?

CharIN is pursuing the vision of establishing uniform standards for charging electric vehicles. A global standard would mean that a uniform charging connection for electric vehicles is used in various regions and countries. This would enable a uniform charging infrastructure and interoperability, enabling owners of electric vehicles to charge their vehicles anywhere with the same charging system. This holistic approach is not only limited to passenger cars, but also includes utility vehicles.

Employee with Megawatt Charging System (MCS)

Megawatt Charging System (MCS)

Which technologies are being developed further?

Megawatt Charging System (MCS): Electrical mobility now encompasses much more than just charging cars. Charging with high power ratings is becoming increasingly important, especially in the field of heavy-duty utility vehicles. CharIN is therefore also focused on utility vehicles and is working on standards for the Megawatt Charging System. This system is to provide charging power in the higher megawatt range and has been conceived for heavy vehicles such as ships, tractors, and aircraft. Charging heavy-duty utility vehicles – whether on the water, on land, or in the air – is a central element of future e-mobility. With the MCS Task Force, CharIN is developing a holistic system approach based on the Combined Charging System for charging heavy-duty utility vehicles with large battery capacities.

NACS charging connectors

North American Charging Standard (NACS): In Europe, the type 2 connector is mandatory for both AC and DC charging. In January 2013, the European Commission defined the connector type with the designation EN 62196 type 2 as the standard in the EU. In North America, however, the type 1 connector and the NACS, introduced by Tesla, are common. In 2023, Tesla introduced its new NACS charging connector and the new NACS charging socket with patented design for the North American market and shared the specifications with other infrastructure manufacturers and charging network operators. This is nominated as SAE J3400 across manufacturers. In July 2023, CharIN launched the North America Charging Interoperability (NACI) Task Force to drive forward the standardization process for the North American market. To ensure charging safety, OEM-designed and tested adapters will be required during the transition to the harmonized SAE J3400 charging connector in North America. Previously, the CCS type 1 connector was the official and established charging standard for the North American market, but this will change with the SAE J3400 standard.

CharIN world map charging infrastructure

Worldwide recommendation of CharIN e. V. for establishing charging standards

What are the current objectives of the CharIN?

E-mobility has made significant progress penetrating the market in recent years. CharIN is striving to establish uniform charging options worldwide to further accelerate the acceptance of electric vehicles. Harmonizing the connector types is an important milestone. The world map published by CharIN in May 2024 as part of a white paper shows the current state of this standardization, but also some blank spots that are to be covered as soon as possible. The world map is relevant for understanding global EV compatibility and illustrates possible challenges when traveling with electric vehicles across borders if uniform standardization is not achieved. In some regions, the decision on the connection type has not yet been made. The CharIN initiative is advocating that the countries not yet defined (light blue) decide upon the Type 2 classification. This will promote market acceptance and enable cross-border travel for commuters, deliveries, tourists, and inter-regional trade in (used) electric vehicles.

Dr. Adriano Mones Bayo, Business Development Director (ES & LATAM) at Phoenix Contact E-Mobility GmbH

Dr. Adriano Mones Bayo, Business Development Director (ES & LATAM) at Phoenix Contact E-Mobility GmbH

What significance does CharIN have for the global e-mobility market?

Together, the CharIN members are striving to raise e-mobility to a new level and to promote the global acceptance of the CCS standard. The strength of the globally active association lies in the cooperation of relevant market participants in the field of e-mobility, who can shape the market holistically.

Dr. Adriano Mones Bayo, Business Development Director (ES & LATAM) at Phoenix Contact E-Mobility GmbH describes the importance of CharIN for the e-mobility market in his role as CharIN Ambassador, Spain:

“My role as CharIN Ambassador is to represent the CharIN association in front of various organizations and at various events. I contribute to the organization of dissemination and training activities in our technological fields and promote the value that our association brings to its current and prospective members. I believe that it is very important to establish a good network of contacts within the association in order to achieve common goals.
It is important to highlight the role that our association is playing in facilitating the introduction of e-mobility in an increasingly globalized market. The standardization of all types of communication protocols between charging infrastructures and electric vehicles will facilitate the interoperability of electromobility services. It will also improve the user experience when charging the battery of their electric vehicle: Simplified payment for the “public charging” service and also the management of the energy available in the electric vehicle. With this approach, energy stored in the vehicle can be used for self-consumption or supplied back to the grid for use by the public.
Working with CharIN has always been fundamental to us. The fact that the CCS connector has become the most widely used international charging standard in the world is thanks to the joint work we have been carrying out since the foundation of CharIN. The development of a connector that is compatible with the charging system of certain North American manufacturers would not have been possible without cooperation with CharIN. Teamwork and mutual support are the key to the success of the committee”.

Author: Katharina Strunk


Your personal contact person

For all queries regarding our products and solutions

Luis Leal
Luis Leal
Business Development Manager E-Mobility
+1 514 242 9316
I will be happy to advise you on your charging infrastructure project.