Honda is aiming to launch electric vehicles (EV) capable of 15-minute fast-charging in 2022, in an effort to address one of the key barriers to the wider uptake of EVs.
Khodrocar - In a new report with Japan’s Nikkei, the company plans to roll out all-electric models that can run for 240 kilometres on a single 15-minute charge. By comparison, most of the current EV crop take more than twice the time to reach 80 per cent charge, even when using a fast charger.
To achieve this, Honda is reportedly working on a new type of high-capacity battery that can handle quick charging, with an as-yet unchosen partner firm.
Honda Urban EV Concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Currently, the manufacturer sources batteries from Panasonic and others for its hybrid vehicles, like the Accord Sport Hybrid.
In addition to the new battery and charging technology, Honda is working on lighter vehicle batteries and more efficient power control systems to maximise driving range per charge.
This technology, however, will launch after the company rolls out its mass-market EV range, which will likely be based on the recently-revealed Urban EV concept (above), scheduled for a 2019 introduction in Europe.
As far as the status quo, Japan’s current fast chargers have a maximum output of 150kW, though it’s said the industry’s plans will require that figure to be raised to 350kW from 2020.
Europe is expected to have a network of 350kW fast chargers by 2020, with Honda’s new EV models set to take advantage of that infrastructure.
Source: CarAdvice
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