Toyota Industries is working toward developing a novel invention. In an announcement at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009, the company said that it is developing a solar-powered EV charging station. This unique station will consist of charging equipment, solar cells and storage batteries. The electricity generated by the solar cells is first stored in storage batteries and then used to charge electric vehicles. The company has collaborated with Nitto Kogyo Corp to build the charging equipment.
Toyota Industries recently exhibited charging equipment to be used at a charging station and a prototyped battery charger that is to be mounted in a vehicle. The charging equipment capable of supplying 100/200V electricity includes a communication function. All the authentication information of users, the amount of charge, etc. will be transmitted to a data center with the help of mobile networks and LANs. The prototyped battery charger works by converting AC current into DC current, hence generating voltage from 100/200V to 300/400V to charge the secondary batteries of plug-in hybrid vehicles. According to the company, the charging equipment will cost several hundred thousand yen and is expected to released in or after 2010.
Via: Techon
