The brands that participated in the eighth testival organized by CharIN include Circontrol, dSpace, Ebee Smart Technologies, Eco/G, Ekoenergetyka, Hyundai, Kempower, Ingeteam, Keyights, Lotus, Lucid, Man, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Pionix, Power Electronics, Rectifer, Group Renault, Scania, Switch, Gr Europe, Vector, Versinetic, Vestel, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Volvo Trucks.
It was not a typical event known to the electric mobility sector, but rather technical and technological, as experts from companies tested the connection between their technologies and the different models of electric cars present at the fair.
Michael Keller, Executive Board at Charin, highlighted and commented to this newspaper, “Today in Spain, we have started the first end-to-end charging test with all PKI certificates.”
What does CharIN propose? Keller summarizes its role in the discussion to standardize electric vehicle charging: “We believe in open and global standards. For Europe, it is clear: it’s CCS2. In South America, we have already had discussions, and we will continue to open a forum to discuss it.”
In North America, he clarifies that “in a way, it is open to discussion with the NACS connector, but we also have several working groups supporting the region to make the right decision, on a technical and rational basis that allows standardization.”
Electric buses and trucks, he assures, are already at the center of the debate. “There is still work to be done in the standardization bodies supported by our members,” he commits.
But regarding Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standards, he predicts that “it will be published soon.”
He trusts 2024, given the progress in Europe on the matter.
The upcoming CharIN testivals will consider even more electric buses and trucks.
“Specific testers will be included, necessary to have a global standard in the charging of trains and buses,” he adds.
“We are very happy because many people and important brands of chargers, cars, and also electric trucks have participated,” celebrates the executive.
Claas Bracklo, Policy Director at BMW and Chairman of CharIN, was also present at the event and spoke with Mobility Portal Europe.
Latin America, the next step
Achieving virtuous interoperability in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean is one of the challenges that CharIN proposes for the coming years, a market that, as reflected in electric vehicle sales, is advancing at a pace much lower than Europe, Asia, or the United States.
It is worth noting that these are markets where the presence of Chinese electric vehicle brands has had a significant impact, especially in countries where there are no import tariffs.
For example, BYD is the undisputed leader, mainly in electric buses, a segment that in cities like Santiago de Chile and Bogotá, Colombia, has taken giant steps in the renewal of zero-emission fleets.
In turn, one of the promoters of the event in Valencia, Adriano Mones Bayo, Ambassador for Spain at CharIN and president of the Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility (AEDIVE), also highlighted the “success” of the activity.
“You can’t ask for more. It is total satisfaction on the part of the organization, attendees, and guests,” he said in contact with Mobility Portal Europe.
Looking ahead to 2024, Mones Bayo says that “different options are being considered to hold a testival in South America. The important thing here is to find a candidate who wants to host it.”
On the 24th, a day full of discussions took place, with the participation of leading electric car brands, charging infrastructure operators, charger manufacturers, government representatives, and businesses, among others.
![CharIN Conference, Valencia, Spain.[/caption]](https://mobilityportal.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/testival-conferencia-foto-1024x508.jpg)
About CharIN
The Charging Interface Initiative e. V. (CharIN) is the leading global association with over 300 international members dedicated to promoting interoperability based on the Combined Charging System (CCS) and the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) as a worldwide standard for charging vehicles of all types.
One of its objectives is to expand the global network of companies supporting CCS, draft requirements to accelerate the evolution of charging-related standards, and define a certification system for all manufacturers implementing CCS in their products.
