The growing market for EV quick chargers will be expanded by a new joint effort from SPX Service Solutions and Aker Wade Power Technologies. Representatives from SPX and Aker Wade agreed to a letter of intent last week on a collaborative effort that would yield a new family of quick-charger products. SPX and Aker Wade will leverage their respective expertise in EV chargers and diagnostics to advance the ball on quick chargers. This partnership should commence by spring 2012 with additional details and images of the resulting charger by January 2013.
SPX and Aker Wade are working with SAE to incorporate a dynamic connector across an entirely new family of quick chargers. This connector could work with Level 1 and 2 chargers as well as DC Fast Charging units according to company representatives. Tanvir Arfi of SPX Service Solutions noted during the announcement that a new quick charger would alleviate concerns about vehicle range while keeping drivers on the road. The average EV with 100-mile capacity could recharge to 50% capacity in 20 minutes and full capacity in 40 minutes using a quick charger.
The buzz word for the as-yet-unnamed quick charger by SPX and Aker Wade is versatility. The letter of intent notes that the first version of this charger will be a 30kW unit delivered to a car dealership. SPX and Aker Wade want this charging technology to be affordable and easy to install within a garage. Homeowners and dealers need not worry about straining to charge their EVs thanks to ergonomic connector design. This generation of quick chargers should evolve into outdoor units that could be used in parking garages, malls and airport lots.
The principals in this quick-charging scheme possess ample experience necessary for pushing competitors in the EV charging sector. SPX Service Solutions has worked with General Motors to develop charging technology intended for the Chevy Volt. Consultants with SPX have also worked with Daimler to optimize charging units for the smart fortwo EV. Aker Wade has installed more than 11,000 quick-charging units and equipment for industrial clients around the world. These experiences should avoid technical and marketing problems common among startups in this highly competitive market.
