Chargepoint unveils new concept design for high-powered charging of Electric Aircraft and Semi-Trucks
ChargePoint, an electric vehicle (EV) charging network, revealed its concept design for two megawatt, high-powered charging of electric aircraft and semi-trucks, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
As the charging partner for Uber Elevate, ChargePoint made the announcement at the second annual Elevate Summit.
The concept design provides a proposal for high-powered charging applications while generating a conversation around a common industry connector as the transition to electrified trucking fleets and the introduction of electric aircraft ramps up in the years to come. Uber plans to roll out to its first Elevate markets (Los Angeles, Dallas and Dubai) as early as 2020. Analysts predict that at least 15% of global truck sales will be electric by 2030, with the cost of electric trucks expected to reach cost parity with their diesel counterparts by 2025(1). Aircraft manufacturers are already exploring electric propulsion for a number of use cases which could save the industries hundreds of billions of dollars annually.
"The drivetrain debate has ended and electrification has won out as the propulsion method of choice across transportation categories, as evidenced by the growing interest in electrifying semi-trucks, aircraft and beyond," said Pasquale Romano, President and CEO, ChargePoint, Inc. "Revealing a new concept design for high-powered charging at the second Elevate Summit is appropriate as the Uber team prepares to get Elevate off the ground in a few short years. The new designnot only provides a first look at a common industry connector that can provide benefits to the manufacturers and operators of electric semi-trucks and aircraft, but is a catalyst for an important conversation in the industry."
Many of the charging requirements are similar across heavy vehicle transportation categories. Electric semi-truck and aircraft have the same power requirements and both require high-powered, fast charging. The shared requirements create an opportunity for a common connector, and the benefits are clear: a shared connector will help reduce complexity for manufacturers, drivers and pilots; bring down costs; and create greater economies of scale.
The ChargePoint engineering team focused on several key elements in developing the new design. To meet performance requirements, up to four BMS interfaces and four 500-amp delivery circuits are needed. Each delivery circuit will have a voltage range from 200 to 1000 volts. To facilitate autonomous data and vehicle performance payload offload, a provision for high speed data transfer was also included.
Designed to be used in heavy vehicle applications, the connector must be rugged and able to withstand the rigors of frequent use, while also being easy to insert and remove. A motorized system aids in the insertion process, while rugged construction protects against drops and rough maneuvers common in heavy-duty fueling. The connector also supports optional auxiliary liquid cooling to the aircraft or semi-truck while it's being charged and is designed to be operated either manually or robotically.
Chargepoint unveils new concept design for high-powered charging of Electric Aircraft and Semi-Trucks
Modified on Monday 14th May 2018
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Chargepoint unveils new concept design for high-powered charging of Electric Aircraft and Semi-Trucks