Charging stations for electric vehicles must operate safely and efficiently. They must not endanger people or property during the charging process and must ensure secure data connections and accurate billing. As part of the research project ProSafE² (Protection, Safety, and Efficiency of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations), the project team tested DC charging stations using a specially developed testing device demonstrator. Laboratory and field tests were conducted on five different models. "No significant defects or risks were identified," stated Daniel Herbst, the technical project manager from TU Graz. "From our test cases, we were able to derive a testing protocol for periodic inspections."
Recommendations in the Updated OVE Guideline
Findings from the ProSafE² project have already contributed to the development of the OVE Guideline R 30. This guideline outlines minimum requirements and recommendations for the safe operation and periodic inspection of stationary conductive charging systems for electric vehicles. The updated guideline is expected to be published in early 2025 and will expand its recommendations for the periodic inspection of AC charging stations to include DC charging stations. Until now, there has been no standardized procedure for the periodic inspection of DC charging stations.
Support from Numerous Project Partners
The ProSafE² project was initiated by OVE (Austrian Electrotechnical Association) in collaboration with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, the Institute of Electrical Power Systems and Networks at TU Graz, and KS Engineers. "Electromobility is a key component of the energy transition, which can only succeed with a safe charging infrastructure. The insights from the ProSafE² project make an important contribution in this regard," said Peter Reichel, OVE Secretary General. ProSafE² was funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and supported by Energienetze Steiermark GmbH, KELAG - Kärntner Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft, TÜV AUSTRIA SERVICES GMBH, and Wien Energie GmbH. Further information about the project can be found here.