ITRI Leads Efforts to Resolve Taiwan's Electric Vehicle Charging Challenges

As electric vehicles gained traction in Taiwan, an initial challenge surfaced: charging stations were incompatible across different EV brands. In response to the growing EV user base, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) collaborated with industry players, government bodies, and research institutes in 2020. Together, they forged the "Taiwan Electric Vehicle Electricity Charging Industry Technology Promotion Alliance." This alliance zeroes in on the EV charging dilemma, aiming to bridge the gap that prevents EVs from sharing charging infrastructure.

ITRI recently convened a membership meeting to delve into critical EV charging concerns. Discussions centered on industry standards for EV battery exchange, specifications for two-way charging, and advancements in charging pile metering and smart charging protocols. These efforts are geared towards enhancing the domestic EV industry ecosystem.

In recent years, in addition to densely populated areas such as Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan City, the government has continued to expand EV infrastructure, and the density of charging stations in the central and southern regions has continued to increase, laying the groundwork for promoting the popularization of EVs.

Nowadays, charging stations in Taiwan are mainly of two types, AC charging (AC) and DC fast charging (DC). Generally, households and enterprises usually charge their vehicles for a long period of time at night, so most of them would install AC charging piles (AC slow charging), while business establishments such as petrol stations, car parks, or highway service areas would install DC charging piles (DC fast charging) in order to increase the utilization rate of visitors, providing short and efficient time and energy for EVs.

In a bid to uphold safe charging operations, ITRI is driving forward the certification of charging station metering specifications. This initiative aims to encourage charging station manufacturers to prioritize product safety and accurate labeling, thereby safeguarding consumers' rights and interests. Addressing the disparity in EV fast charging specifications, ITRI remains committed to advancing standards for Combined Charging System (CCS) two-way charging, catering to a broader range of EV charging requirements.