Elektromotive Debuts Tool for Monitoring and Invoicing Electricity Drawn from Charging Stations; Three-Phase Fast Charge Prototype with Mennekes Coupler
15 May 2009
| The Mennekes system. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based Elektromotive introduced EBConnect—a tool for monitoring and invoicing electricity drawn from vehicle charging stations—at EVS 24. EBConnect will be installed in all Elektrobay charging stations, of which there are already more than 160 across the UK.
The EBConnect software manages a two-way exchange of data via GSM and the internet to track electricity usage and invoice accordingly. The system allows the possibility of a number of payment methods including a ‘pay-and-go’ service, where the user adds credits to their personalized Elektrobay keyfob.
Alternatively, costs can be automatically added to the consumer’s household utility bill, or the balance can be settled remotely with the user paying via SMS text messages, interactive voice recordings and automatic registration number recognition.
Three-phase fast charge.Elektromotive is also unveiling its Three-Phase Fast Charge Elektrobay prototype. With a power supply of 32 amps, this charging station will reduce charging times, making it particularly suitable for heavier users of electricity and commercial vehicles.
| The Mennekes connector. Click to enlarge. |
The single unit is the first of its kind to provide two separate five-pin power sockets, both able to accommodate the all-new Mennekes plug, which is anticipated to become standardized on electric vehicles in Europe.
The Mennekes plug is the result of collaboration between the European auto and utility industries. The plug is based on the requirements of IEC 62196-1, and is designed to support three-phase 400 V charging (mode B up to 32A, mode C up to 63A), with bidirectional energy transfer. Data interchange can be by separate conductor as well as by HF (e.g., on the earthing wire).
The connector has seven pins: five power pins (four conductors, one earth), and two control pins (plug present, control pilot).
This is a different system than the SAE J1772 conductive charge coupler being balloted this summer for use in North America. The Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI) is also in alignment with the J1772 work. (Earlier post.)
Resources
IEC Project Team No. 62196: Dimensional Interchangeability Requirements for Pin and Contact-Tube Vehicle Couplers. (SC 23H/PT62196, 29 Jan 2009)
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