Hypermotion 2018: VISION mobility Think Tank - Charging Technology Electrified

Tension was in the air at the third Think Tank of VISION mobility, which focused on charging technology. The session was opened by Thomas Nindl, who delved straight into the technology of inductive charging – a solution particularly suited for urban areas for "snack-loading", i.e., short, quick interim charging. This approach could perfectly utilize not only private locations but also public spaces: For example, at railroad crossings or traffic lights with long red phases. Alternatively, parking lots or garages could also be suitable, where the technology could be invisibly installed.

Wouldn't this be perfect for DKV, where the topic is viewed from a billing perspective? Stiller hit the brakes here. While it is conceivable, he warns against focusing charging technology only on urban areas. There would be significant challenges establishing charging infrastructure in existing buildings, and he sees great potential in high-speed charging, particularly in long-distance travel, which could one day reach 350 or even 550 kW. The existing gas station infrastructure along main traffic routes would be ideal for this purpose. However, he also notes the limitations of inductive charging, which would need to settle for a maximum of 22 kW charging power. These are all topics that DKV can handle without issues from a billing perspective. Yet, more importantly, Stiller notes that there are far from enough cars to take full advantage of all the technical possibilities. Not to mention the financing.

This brings the discussion to Sygusch, who supports the theses of his two predecessors: The entire beautiful new world of charging technology needs to be funded somehow, and the infrastructural prerequisites must be created for it. While this is not an issue in new development areas, it certainly poses challenges in existing neighborhoods. Moreover, in the urban planning of Wolfsburg, timelines of five or even ten years are considered, and no one can guarantee how the technology will evolve by then.

A consensus is quickly found among the three participants because: Indeed, the development of charging technology is currently under significant pressure; however, it needs to be financed and utilized efficiently. On the topic of utilization, Stiller urges caution: The more expensive the implied technology, the more customers it needs to attract. Sygusch agrees, envisioning the establishment of some public charging points in more remote areas, but primarily focusing on the main traffic routes of his city.

Of course, one could also imagine integrating inductive charging, which offers another advantage in terms of billing: Ideally, the charging station and vehicle recognize each other, and billing is fully automated. Stiller from DKV also considers this the ideal state. If this is not possible, he still prefers an RFID card over apps or a hotline: Like refueling – just hold it up, pay, and done. Ideally, individual charging stations inform the customer at any time when and where they can refuel. All these points do not arise with inductive charging in the city – but here, it must be billed highly intelligently and smartly. Now, all that is needed are the customers and the comprehensive yet affordable technology!

What does this mean?

Charging technology has evolved alongside battery technology and can theoretically do a lot: charging very quickly and intelligently when needed, now also inductively while driving. But all this requires a "critical mass" of customers and must be affordable. These are both points on which the discussion participants, as of 2018, still place cautionary question marks.