Green Mobility Revolution: Taiwan's EV Charging Solutions

To propel Taiwan's electric vehicle sector forward, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has joined forces with nearly 60 representatives from industry, government, and research institutions. Together, they've formed the "Taiwan Electric Vehicle Charging Technology Advancement Alliance." Recently, a pivotal meeting was held where a collective agreement was reached to prioritize EV charging matters. This includes setting industry standards for EV battery switching, defining charging pile specifications, and outlining two-way charging standards. These efforts aim to enrich the industry ecosystem and bolster Taiwan's edge in the charging sector.

Dr. Jwu-Sheng Hu, Executive Vice President of ITRI and President of the Taiwan Electric Vehicle Charging Technology Advancement Alliance, highlighted the swift expansion of the global EV market. Projections from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) anticipate a surge to 14.9 million units sold in 2024, marking a 21% growth. In response to this trend, ITRI initiated collaboration with industry, government, and research bodies as early as 2020. This led to the formation of the Taiwan Electric Vehicle Charging Technology Advancement Alliance, which has since garnered widespread industry consensus on domestic charging matters.

Dr. Hu stressed Taiwan's well-developed motorcycle industry, boasting a fully self-sufficient supply chain. He emphasized the need to capitalize on the shift towards electrification by promptly establishing an industry standard for electric motorcycle battery swapping. This move aims to lower manufacturing and operational expenses for manufacturers and address the challenge of high ownership costs faced by consumers purchasing electric motorcycles.

As the number of electric vehicle users rises, there's a surge in demand for essential charging equipment, particularly high-voltage fast charging solutions. The Alliance is spearheading the validation of charging pile metering specifications to guarantee safe and compliant charging operations. Additionally, efforts are underway to standardize the Combined Charging System (CCS) for bidirectional charging, catering to the evolving needs of electric vehicle services. Furthermore, the Alliance has prioritized smart charging standardization for electric buses as a significant upcoming initiative.

ITRI remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and market evolution, as evidenced by its "2035 Technology Strategy and Blueprint." In the realm of intellectual life applications, ITRI harnesses its R&D prowess across diverse domains like machinery and electronics. This collaborative approach not only bolsters Taiwan's EV industry development but also propels us towards a greener economy and sustainable environment, charting a course for a brighter future.