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

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.

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.

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”.