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20 EV and Connected Transportation The Technical Considerations for Ensuring Efficient, Reliable Vehicle Charging Figure 1 : Benefits and concerns of vehicle electrification. (Source: TE Connectivity) V ehicle electrification is gathering steam, as automakers and governments worldwide drive industry innovation forward. The benefits of electrification are profound and numerous, creating a sustainable mode of transportation that reduces the use of non- renewable energy and carbon emissions, among other advantages. Obviously, there are hurdles that have yet to be overcome, including building out a widely available charging infrastructure, developing next-generation vehicle architectures and solutions, and financing this extensive industry innovation. Figure 1 summarizes the key benefits, as well as the industry concerns, regarding the adoption of electric vehicles. The Automotive Industry Is Focusing on Providing a Faster Charging Infrastructure Electric vehicle charging stations seem to be popping up everywhere. But in reality, the ability to quickly and conveniently charge one's car pales in comparison to the availability and speed of refueling a car at a diesel or petrol station. Today's available DC fast chargers, providing between 50kW to 200kW of power, typically can add just The Future of High-Powered EV Charging VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION CLEANER Reduced / zero tailpipe emissions. Noise reduction / quiet operation. GREENER CO 2 and other greenhouse gas reduction. Fossil fuel consumption reduction. Wind and solar generating the electricity. LEANER Lower total cost of ownership over time. Vehicle and battery costs are rapidly decreasing. Lower mainte- nance costs. No oil changes. Fewer moving parts means reduced wear and tear. In the short term, incentives are available. MEANER Improved performance and comfort. Instant torque available. Low center of gravity for improved ride and handling. Regenerative braking. Quiet operation. Low vibration. Direct drive – no gears to shift. RANGE ANXIETY AND POWER ACCESS Concerns over availability of to fast, reliable charging points. Is the energy grid globally ready to handle all the anticipated demand? Can vehicles be easily upgraded to handle more power as battery technologies improve? BATTERY LIFE AND SUSTAINABILITY Although technology is advancing rapidly, how long will batteries last and what do we do with them after their useful life? ELECTRICITY CAN BE DANGEROUS Concerns over shock / electrocution. In an accident, am I safe? Is it safe to charge the vehicle in the rain or if the cable is wet? UPFRONT COSTS Even if the lifetime costs of operating an EV prove to be less expensive, the cost of entry may be higher than status quo. PROS CONCERNS + – – – – + + + By TE Connectivity