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

A coalition of Japanese automakers and engineering giants including Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Fuji Heavy Industries have teamed up with Japan's biggest utility Tokyo Electric Power Company to form ‘CHAdeMO’, a group seeking to standardise fast-charging stations for electric cars.

CHAdeMO (CHArge de Move) aims to increase quick-charger installations worldwide in order to speed up diffusion of electric vehicles and to standardise how to charge the vehicles.

Representatives of Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), Toyota Motor Corp, Nissan Motor Co, Mitsubishi Motors Corp (7211.T) and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd gathered yesterday at a Tokyo hotel to announce the association, which will first set a standard for Japan and later aim for an international standard. TEPCO Executive Vice President Hiroyuki Ino said the group would lobby international bodies such as the Society of Automotive Engineers and the International Transport Forum to promote its technology.

The group is still working out the details of its recharging platform, as standardisation would require all makers to agree on the voltage, outlet and other aspects of the technology while also ensuring relatively fast recharging.

Saving on development costs

According to CHAdeMO, co-operation of otherwise competing brands on the issue would save development costs for carmakers and ancillary industries.

"We will compete when it comes to vehicle performance, but we should cooperate on areas such as infrastructure," said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga.

158 entities throughout the world to join the association

So far, 158 businesses and government organisations throughout the world are expected to join the association and work on the project. Businesses such as automakers, electric utilities, charger manufacturers and charging service providers are on the list, including 20 non-Japanese firms such as major US and European utilities PG&E Corp, Enel SpA, Endesa, as well as French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen.

About CHAdeMO

The group started to come together in August 2009, when Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Fuji Heavy Industries, and TEPCO started a preparatory committee. Later, Toyota joined the committee to establish the Association with the five companies as its executive members.