11.11.2011
• A critical step towards a single protocol to ensure control and compatibility across the entire EV charging chain • Schneider Electric supports electrical equipment contractors and installers for wide-scale deployment of charging infrastructure
Schneider Electric has become the first manufacturer worldwide to obtain ZE Ready certification from Renault for its EVlink electric vehicle charging infrastructure range. The certification was awarded during a ceremony held at Schneider Electric’s headquarters in Rueil-Malmaison (France) on August 29, 2011.
ZE Ready is a comprehensive compatibility testing protocol designed to guarantee that internationally accepted standards will be implemented consistently among electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. By applying existing regulations and drawing on existing standards, ZE Ready aims to control the entire charging chain, from charging station design and installation to installer training, preliminary audits, any necessary compliance work and consulting.
David Greaves, national business development manager for EV Charging Solutions at Schneider Electric UK comments: “There are three good reasons for our industry to share Renault’s ZE Ready protocol: to reduce the number of tests that need to be carried out, to obtain and share feedback on compatibility more quickly and to provide users with a guarantee that all installed systems work.“ZE Ready represents a fundamental step in establishing a protocol that will be shared by all carmakers and electrical equipment manufacturers.”
In addition to the technical interface, established in cooperation with Renault, Schneider Electric worked with electrical equipment contractors and installers to define a specific installation process in order to obtain ZE Ready certification. Schneider Electric has developed a vast nationwide network of certified installers in France to meet the needs of both consumers and institutional clients.
• Nearly 700 contractors have already been certified to install charging stations in residential homes. Local presence plays a key role here, and the number of contractors will increase as EV sales pick up speed. By participating in Schneider Electric’s Couleur Pro Label VE programme, contractors benefit from dedicated training, as well as a listing on the Company’s French website (www.schneider-electric.fr) and throughout the Renault dealership network; • Nearly 150 electrical equipment installers work with corporate customers and local communities to equip parking lots with charging stations that can handle energy management services. They already installed charging points in more than 350 Renault dealerships these last weeks. In order to train them in practical aspects of charging infrastructure deployment and guarantee this competence, Schneider Electric will, before the end of the year, be offering an accredited EV installation training scheme.
The first ZE Ready-certified EVlink products and solutions for charging infrastructure from Schneider Electric are now on the market. These products and solutions are fully compliant with the multi carmakers label EV Ready®, announced by the Renault-Nissan Alliance, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi Motors on October 3, 2011, and based on ZE Ready.
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Related contacts
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| Schneider Electric Ltd UKStafford Park 5TelfordTF3 3BLTel:: 0870 608 8608Fax: 0870 608 8606 |
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Source: Schneider Electric PR |
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