SAE unveils standard for plug-in electric vehicle charging

May 18, 2010

Standards organization SAE International has developed a new standard for communications systems connecting plug-in electric vehicles to the grid.

SAE said the new standard, J2836/1, recognized the need for a standard set of requirements for connecting up electric vehicles for recharging.

The standard provides protocols for two-way communications between the grid and recharging stations, including a set of requirements for load management and rate programs to be established by utility companies for the charging of plug-in vehicles.

These programs will allow consumers to charge their vehicles during times of lowest cost, during off-peak hours.

It should also help utilities reduce impacts on the grid from electric vehicles charging during peak hours.

Peak challenge

Rich Scholer, a hybrid electric vehicle systems engineer at the Ford Motor Company and chair of SAE Internation’s Hybrid Task Force, said: “The biggest challenge for utilities is managing the grid during peak times, a time when energy is the most expensive and demand is greatest.

“As we add more plug-in electric vehicles to the grid, we’re increasing our need for on-peak power and infrastructure. This standard will help enable consumers to charge their vehicles at off-peak hours and help utilities better manage the grids during peak hours, thus minimizing cost and grid impacts,” explained Mr Scholer.

SAE, a global association of engineers with its world headquarters in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, has been responsible for some of the most recognizable vehicle standards since its foundation in 1905 – including the original definition of the brake horsepower measurement for engine power.

The organization said its J2836/1 standard would be the first of five to be developed for plug-in electric vehicles.