The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Industry News

A Japanese company has developed and launched a new system combining a photovoltaic power generation facility with a rapid charger for electric vehicles. By March 2010, the first 50kW rapid chargers will be installed in Chigasaki City.

The new charging system introduced by the Japan-based company ULVAC (Ultimate in Vacuum), consists of photovoltaic power generation facilities featuring thin film system photovoltaic cells and rapid chargers as well as normal chargers. It is used at EV charging stations, which are expected to rapidly increase in number in Japan this year. With a charging time of approximately 25 minutes for 80% of EV capacity the system outperforms the normal chargers that need 8 to 14 hours for the same capacity.

The photovoltaic cells of the combined photovoltaic power generation and rapid charging system will be installed on the roof of the municipal parking lot with an initial power generation of 20 kW. In addition, it consists of power conditioners, rapid chargers with 50 kW, normal chargers, and power generation control monitors.

Wireless, solar charging in Japanese City

The company already received an order for their systems from Chigasaki City, near Tokyo, where it will be installed by March 2010. The system also enables citizens to monitor the status of the electric power generated by photovoltaic cells through a display installed at Chigasaki City Hall via wireless communication.

The system complies with the requirements for multi-purpose power generation system and with the standards set by Tokyo Electric Power Co. During the night and the days when there is only little sunshine it is also able to use utility power. Moreover, when it is not used for charging electric vehicles, electric companies can purchase the power generated by photovoltaic cells through system linkage, making the effective utilization of the generated electric power possible.

Target sales and future plans

According to its press release, ULVAC's target sales for the first year of this product is one billion yen (around 7,5 million euro) for combination systems comprising photovoltaic power generation and EV rapid chargers, photovoltaic power generation systems, EV rapid chargers, control monitors, etc. The company has 37 affiliated companies outside of Japan and is planning to market the product also overseas.