First 3-phase onboard fast chargerA collaborative development between Siemens and Volvo has resulted in a new on-board charging unit that can fully recharge a Volvo C30 EV in one and a half hours, writes Brian Byrne.
The unit uses a 3-phase power supply where available, and Volvo says the shorter time makes EVs both more practical and cheaper because they can be used for more hours in the day than with the standard 8-hour charge regime.
However, very few homes would have a 3-phase supply, so the system is likely to be useful only in suitable public charging points, or those in commercial premises.
