(Top) CharM EV Chargers; (bottom) CharM charging station in Cauayan City, Isabela
With the increasing number of e-vehicles used as both private and public transportation, the researchers from Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP EEEI) headed by Dr. Lew Andrew Tria,Engr. Leo Allen Tayo, and Engr. Rovinna Janel Cruzate have developed “CharM”, a fast charging system for electric vehicles. The technology provides an alternative solution for conventional charging that takes up to 4-6 hours to get a battery fully charged. With CharM, fully charging an e-vehicle battery can be done in 30 minutes. CharM comes with an in-vehicle electronic management unit that performs battery protection, monitoring, and vehicle-charger communications.
Through the Funding Assistance for Spinoff and Translation of Research for Advancing Commercialization (FASTRAC) program of the Department of Science and Technology -Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the project team was able to conduct validation for e-vehicle charging system and set-up a CharM charging station in Cauayan, Isabela. More clients were obtained by direct communications with e-vehicle manufacturers and operators.
Travelling long distances using e-vehicle requires charging stations that are placed on strategic locations. Thus far, there are only a few number of electric charging stations. The fear of being stuck if an e-vehicle ran out of battery has been a concern of every e-vehicle user. Also, the tedious process of charging an e-vehicle is a major problem especially for those who use it as public transportation. With CharM, e-vehicle drivers can maximize the usage of their e-vehicles as the technology will significantly lessen the charging time especially those operating as public mass transport vehicles. With the adoption of CharM by private firms, numerous e-vehicle charging stations can be established. CharM will help develop public acceptance of e-vehicles as it addresses the concerns that inhibit the growth of e-vehicles.
CharM has already manufactured two types of chargers which are the Basic fast charger and Coin-operated AC Charger. The technology was also showcased during the Electric Vehicle Summit and National Science and Technology Week. CharM already applied for a license for Utility Model and Industrial Design. Apart from that, they have also applied for SEC registration under the name of CHRG EV Technologies Inc.
