Ultra-Fast Charging of Electric Vehicles
As part of the consortium project “FastCharge,” companies from various industries are developing a new system for ultra-fast charging of electric vehicles and building it as a prototype. VISPIRON SYSTEMS significantly contributes to the success of this funded project as the overall system architect and PMO.
1. Initial Situation - Standard for Ultra-Fast Charging
At the beginning of the project in 2016, the electric vehicles and charging stations available on the market supported a maximum charging power of up to 150 kW. However, the projected market requirements demanded higher ranges with simultaneously shorter charging times. The goal of the funded project was to develop a new, cross-company, holistic standard for ultra-fast charging and to implement it prototypically based on the CCS standard. The funding agency’s requirement was to achieve a charging power of over 450 kW. Our client here is the consortium leader of a group of five internationally operating companies. renomated companies. The consortium leader is responsible for achieving the project goals and managing the overall project. This scope was entrusted to VISPIRON SYSTEMS.
2. Challenge - Addressing the Technical Issues
The management of the demanding technical challenges of the ultra-fast charging system was comprehensively and qualitatively overseen by VISPIRON SYSTEMS. The requirements set by the funding agency for the project were extremely ambitious: charging should be achieved at >450 kW. To meet this goal, existing components had to be pushed to their limits, and parts of the system had to be completely newly developed. Balancing the common and individual interests of all project partners, while strictly adhering to confidentiality agreements, also posed a significant challenge. Additionally, the numerous stakeholders at different project partners had to be taken into account.
3. Approach - Creating a Structure
In executing our assignment, we were able to draw on our experience in grant project management. This enabled us to quickly and efficiently establish a communication structure, including regular meetings, folder and reporting structures, and coordinate them with all involved parties. Following this, we worked on the project handbook, which consolidated all important details of the project in one place. We supported the project through all phases of product development, adapting our structures and plans agilely to the respective progress and circumstances. We also ensured seamless and traceable documentation. At all times, we ensured maximum transparency and synchronized the different interests of all participating companies and departments. Finally, we drafted the final report, which was followed by the presentation of the successfully completed grant project in Berlin.
4. Conclusion - Foundation for Further Developments
The expectations of the funding agency and all participants in the joint research project were exceeded by over 100%: Multiple prototypes of the overall system were put into operation, and numerous research vehicles from various participating manufacturers were successfully charged. The comprehensive insights gained during the project now provide the foundation for numerous further developments in the field of fast charging.
