Power and data from a single source

HARMAN Automotive and German utility company RWE are working together to develop a charging infrastructure for electric cars.


Access to data and entertainment media at the charging station

The partners’ tests involve a Micro-Vett 500 electric car, which can exchange data via the charging stations. This intelligent link between the charging station and the vehicle enables super-fast availability of data and broadband Internet access by means of a simple charging cable while the battery is being recharged.

As soon as it is connected to the charging station, the Micro-Vett compact electric four-seater can access audio and video data, as well as personal data from the home or office quickly and easily using the HARMAN Infotainment system. Likewise, passengers can surf the Internet using broadband access or tune into the Internet radio station of their choice. Broadband access means that all the required data is available at immensely high speeds.

A simple charging cable is used for this convenient and highly efficient “plug & charge” function. Communication is by means of a highly secure protocol between the Infotainment system and the charging station. A secure connection is established by the charging cable immediately the car docks with the charging station, and the contract partner is automatically authenticated. The driver can use the infotainment system display to directly review the data from the charging station, the battery charge level and the meter reading, as well as to check his contract and meter number.


Online access to locations with available charging stations

HARMAN Automotive is also using the sporty Tesla Roadster to demonstrate additional functions that show what lies in store in the future with series-production electric cars: the Infotainment system can use the broadband Internet access to check for nearby charging stations and can save this information in the navigation system. This means that drivers are kept informed of the nearest charging stations and can calculate their momentary range, as well as the most energy-efficient route, while also having the option of reserving a space at a charging station, for example.
The infotainment system’s tracking function could also be used to create and keep a logbook.

For more information why not visit the RWE Autostrom Roadshow? You will find the dates below.
See the benefits for yourself.

Dates:
Kiel: 19 – 27 June 2010 Kieler Woche
Cologne: 19 – 25 August 2010 Gamescom
Berlin: 16 – 23 September 2010 Sony Center
Munich: 19 – 21 October 2010 eCarTec