Volvo wants electric vehicle charging standardized

Volvo wants to see charging infrastructure for electric vehicles standardized around the world—and it wants the system it supports to be the choice.

With plans to offer plug-in hybrid versions of every new model it introduces, Volvo has decided to "throw its weight" behind the Combined Charging System (CCS), a method that will offer both regular- and fast-charging capabilities.

"We see that a shift towards fully electric cars is already underway as battery technology improves, costs fall and charging infrastructure is put in place," Peter Mertens, Volvo's senior vice-president of research and development, said in a statement.

"But while we are ready from a technology perspective, the charging infrastructure is not quite there yet. To really make range anxiety a thing of the past, a globally standardized charging system is sorely needed."

The CCS combines single-phase charging with rapid three-phase charging, as well as the alternating and direct current capabilities.

"We are very happy to support and be involved in the setting of standards for electric vehicle charging systems," Mertens said. "The lack of such a standard is one of the main obstacles for growing electric vehicles' share of the market."

The CCS is being developed by a consortium of stakeholders, including Daimler, BMW, Volkswagen Group and Opel, dubbed the Charging Interface Initiative.