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The recent CharIN Testival and Conference, hosted by Lincoln Electric in Cleveland, OH, marked the largest event to date, attracting 415 participants. The three-and-a-half-day event emphasized improving EV charging security, interoperability, and communication, featuring significant technical advancements and real-world testing.
Key Highlights
- 415 participants including engineers, researchers, and executives from automakers, EVSE providers, and national laboratories.
- New technical advancements: multi-PKI testing, prescribed testing for Plug & Charge and PKIs, and ISO 15118-20 protocol products.
- Seamless communication, integration, and interoperability focus with nearly 60 million EVs expected on the road by 2024.
- CharIN’s role in fostering industry-wide collaboration and promoting EV charging standards.
- 22 vehicle platforms and 23 EVSEs tested for performance and interoperability.
The 2024 North American Testival gathered experts to test vehicles and equipment in real-life scenarios, enhancing performance and interoperability. Hosted by Lincoln Electric, the event showcased 22 vehicle platforms and 23 EVSEs working together.
“It’s a privilege to collaborate with CharIN once again and welcome back the North American Testival to Lincoln Electric,” said Steve Sumner, Vice President of Corporate Innovation at Lincoln Electric. “CharIN events like this, focused on ensuring robust interoperability, are crucial for the industry’s growth and ultimately, for instilling consumer confidence.”
Testing Advancements
The event featured the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s EVerest project, Seamless Retry, Remote Test Harness, and Prescribed Testing demonstrations by ChargeX Consortium. “A moderation team of 14 members from the ChargeX Consortium led and facilitated an optional prescribed testing program at the June 2024 CharIN Testival,” stated Sam Thurston, Testing Task Force Lead of the ChargeX Consortium.
The Testival also introduced charging equipment products integrated with the ISO 15118-20 protocol, enhancing ease of use and security. Hubject led the first end-to-end Plug & Charge testing, critical for providing a reliable EV charging experience.
“Going forward, end-to-end testing will be critical if we are to provide a reliable and positive charging experience for EV drivers,” said Trishan Peruma, Hubject North American CEO.
Focus on Interoperability
Successful multi-PKI testing was also a highlight, allowing automotive manufacturers to verify vehicle compatibility across various charging stations. This shift to online PKI brings testing closer to real-world scenarios.
“Interoperability is key to everything we do at CharIN,” said Oleg Logvinov, Chair of CharIN North America. “If you look at what we’re doing at the Testival today, we’re not just testing interoperability between the vehicle and the charger; we’re also looking at end-to-end interoperability.”
The Cleveland event was the seventh CharIN testing event in North America since 2018, with the next event planned for fall on the West Coast.
“The Testival began as a way to unite engineers in the pursuit of establishing universal standards for electric vehicle charging,” explained Claas Bracklo, Chairman of the Executive Board of CharIN.
For more information about CharIN and the Testival event series, please visit CharIN.
About CharIN e.V.
CharIN is an international association with the goal of establishing the Combined Charging System (CCS) and the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) as global standards. Representing over 300 leading e-mobility stakeholders, CharIN aims to ensure all forms of electric transportation operate seamlessly with available charging stations and services, promoting further EV adoption. More information can be found at CharIN.
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