The Combined Charging System is evolving to the leading charging solution worldwide. Across all branches of industry, the automobile industry, energy suppliers and the electronics industry support the implementation and establishment of a standardized solution for the charging of electric vehicles based on the Combined Charging System.
The EU directive on the development of infrastructure for alternative fuel of 2014 established CCS as the required minimum equipment as of 2017.
The association of European automobile manufacturers selected the Combined Charging System as the future standard interface for all electric vehicles. The ACEA confirmed in a position paper that ALL new electric vehicles will have to implement the Combined Charging System by the end of 2017 at the latest.
This is underpinned by the agreement to use Type2 and Combo2 connectors in Europe that are based on the CCS AC/DC charging interfaces which are compliant to the EU directive.
The Combined Charging System is also seen in the USA as an obvious extension to the existing AC charging standard. Accordingly, SAE, the international association of automotive engineers, completely subscribes to the Combined Charging System.
CCS was selected in October 2012 as the SAE solution for the charging of electric vehicles.
What is the Combined Charging System?
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is an open, universal and international charging system for electric vehicles based on international standards. It provides the solution for all charging requirements. The Combined Charging System is therefore ONE system for ALL. The CCS combines single-phase with fast 3-phase AC charging using alternating current of maximum of 43 kW. It also provides very fast high-power DC charging (up to 450 kW) within a single system. Members are presently also working on a High Power charging connector for commercial vehicles that can take multiple MW charging power. This extended High Power charging will be used for speciality EV like busses, truck, etc. ... The CCS system includes the connector, the managing of control functions and the charging communication between electric vehicle and infrastructure.
What are the other standards?
There are two other standards - CHAdeMO standard developed by the Japanese manufacturers and GB/T standard mandated by the Chinese government for vehicles sold in China. Additionally, Tesla has their own proprietary system for their vehicles.
Is it software or hardware?
It contains both. A charging standard defines the mating connector that is used for charging as well as the communication protocol used between the vehicle and the charger.
Within which standardization committees was the CCS developed?
The system was developed in the national and international DKE, IEC, ISO and SAE standardization committees with the support of all German and American OEMs.
Which standards are essentially described in the CCS?
The essential elements of the Combined Charging System are:
- The electrical interface specification for power transmission, which includes safety-related signaling:
- for AC charging that complies with the international IEC 61851-1 and 61851-22 standards
- for DC charging that complies with the international IEC 61851-1 and 61851-23 standards
- AC charging with the Type2-connector (for a 3-phase AC infrastructure as e.g. in Germany in compliance with IEC 62196-2 norm)
- DC charging with the Combo 2 connector (in Europe) in compliance with the IEC 62196-3 norm
- For US it is IEC 62196-1 and the Combo 1 connector
- The communication interface based on ISO/IEC 15118 and DIN SPEC 70121
Main features of the Combined Charging System
The main feature of the Combined Charging System is in line with the principle of “ONE system for ALL”:
- A combined charging socket in the vehicle (AC or DC can be used, depending on application)
- One charging control logic for all types of charging methods
- One charging communication protocol
- One charging architecture (2 connectors along with the combined charging socket serve all relevant charging scenarios)
- A wide spectrum of applications with vehicles having voltage ranging from 200 V to 1000 V
- High charging rates of 350KW+ to enable quick charging of electric vehicles.
- CCS also uses TLS secure communication which allows for Encryption & Authentication for secured payments, Plug and Charge, commercial use of V2G on the Energy balancing market
The combined charging socket is equipped with all the contacts required for the different types of charging scenarios worldwide. The already introduced Type1 (for USA) and Type2 (for Europe) charging sockets for AC charging (in compliance with IEC 62196-2) will be supplemented with two additional contacts for high power DC charging. A special feature: The Type1 and Type2 connector for AC charging and the Combo1 and Combo2 connector for high power DC charging are both compatible with the compact charging socket.
Protective equipment ensures a safe charging process. A lock in the charging socket prevents the connector from being unintentionally pulled out of the socket during charging. The charging process is managed and controlled by electric control signals and a fully automated digital communication via PLC (Power Line Communication) between the vehicle and the charging station.
Complex charging processes - for example, a charging process that balances power peaks caused by renewable resources - are also possible with PLC.
What benefits can be expected from the use of the Combined Charging System?
From the point of view of the customer, the advantages are obvious: The system is safe, universal and simple.
- Safe – because the main focus is on the safety functions during the charging process
- Universal – because of the compact interface that enables the operation of all available charging options
- Simple – because of easy operation and handling
From a technological point of view, the system is open, robust and future proof:
- Open – because every company involved can make use of the system and can contribute to its development
- Robust – because of low maintenance costs
- Future proof – because the system allows the expansion of new functionalities