German Automakers Agree to Electric Charging Standard

The German automakers Daimler, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have agreed to a standard for charging electric vehicles. Ford and General Motors have also already agreed to the standard. 

The Combined Charging System works with all exsisting charging methods using both alternating current and direct current. 

The Combined Charging System was unveiled at the VDI-Congress and Exhibition on October 12. The congress investigates transmissions and hybrid electric systems. The system should be ready for deployment by mid 2012.

This is a major step forward for electric cars. It means that most of the major automakers in the US and all of the major ones in Germany have agreed to a single standard for future electric vehicles. It will make setting up charging stations easier because there is a unified standard. Now, if the automakers can speed up the rate of charging, then electric vehicles could really take off. 

Source Green Car Web Site