Major Automakers Join Forces to Support Conductive Charging For Electric Vehicles

1 June 1998
Major Automakers Join Forces to Support Conductive Charging For Electric Vehicles
    WASHINGTON, June 1 -- Several of the world's largest auto
manufacturers and their supplier partners announced the formation of the
Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging Coalition (EVC3), an informal
organization of stakeholders whose primary goal is to further develop the
infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs).
    American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Chrysler Corporation , Ford Motor
Company and Mazda Motor Corporation, along with infrastructure
partners EVI of California and SCI Systems of Alabama made the announcement at
today's 4th National Clean Cities Conference and Exposition in Washington,
D.C.  The mission of EVC3 will be to promote education and awareness of
conductive charging systems for EVs worldwide.
    "We frankly want to make as strong a statement as possible about the
importance of having a single, universal charging system for EV customers.
The majority of automakers are using conductive charging for their production
vehicles today," said John Wallace, director of Ford's Alternative Fuel
Vehicle Programs.  "A universal charging system is a big step in the
development of the infrastructure required to support the EV market."
    "EVC3 and its members are brought together by our common use of conductive
charging, a safe, efficient and affordable way to charge electric vehicles,"
said Robert Bienenfeld, EV Program Manager, American Honda.  "The coalition
will work to educate business, consumers, regulatory and government agencies
about the advantages of conductive charging systems."
    EVC3 members will meet regularly to address issues regarding conductive
charging and the overall EV infrastructure.  Membership will be open to those
stakeholders who have an interest in advancing conductive charging systems for
EV charging.  EVC3 will also work closely with utilities around the world so
that they can begin planning for installation of the new systems.
    "EVC3 will be the organization that moves conductive charging to the next
level," added Craig Love, Executive Engineer, Chrysler.  "We have proven that
it is possible and very important to work together to develop the EV market,
even in a competitive industry like ours.  Cooperation is critical to advance
conductive charging technology and the EV industry, and our customers are
going to be the ones who benefit."
    Conductive charging, the traditional method of connecting electrical
equipment to power sources, uses metal-to-metal contacts to transfer
electricity.  Based on over 100 years of experience, conductive connectors are
used on virtually all electrical equipment in homes, and by industry around
the world.
    Conductive charging is designed to be safe and considered the most
efficient and cost-effective method of charging available.  Its open
architecture is flexible enough for fast charging and other future needs.
Designed for high reliability and ease of service, conductive charging
equipment requires no special tools, expensive diagnostic equipment, or
specialized training.