The International Transportation Innovation Center (ITIC) and Zaptec from Norway have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work on the development of smart charging technology solutions for electric vehicles.
Zaptec specializes in super compact power electronics. Its smart charging technology is widely considered an increasingly important technological component for the electronic charging industry.
Zaptec intends to develop and expand its R&D and manufacturing activities in North America and chose ITIC as a strategic partner due to its unique ability to test smart charging solutions in closed test beds and in urban and non-urban open environments with smart grid and next generation communication infrastructures.
The collaboration with ITIC also allows Zaptec to test innovations such as bi-directional charging, fast charging and wireless charging.
ITIC has successfully demonstrated wireless charging solutions with other R&D partners and is planning a significant expansion of its testing capabilities in connected driving, automated driving and zero-emission driving.
This is in direct response to the automotive industry's growing global investment in vehicle electrification, more intelligent charging processes, and smart city initiatives.
ITIC Chief Technology Officer Dr. Joachim Taiber said: "Zaptec is the industry leader in small-form-factor EV computing technologies, therefore it is particularly gratifying to be chosen as their testing partner as they expand to North America.
"We look forward to a long and highly productive collaboration for many years to come."
Zaptec CEO Brage W. Johansen said: "In the future, many North American cities will implement an extensive charging infrastructure to become green and smart cities.
"Together with ITIC we can continue to develop, construct and test a holistic charging solution that takes care of the electric car, the user, the utility, the network operators and the city needs. A formidable task we can't wait to complete."
In addition to bringing technological innovations to Zaptec's EV testing, ITIC will also help drive standardization of Zaptec technologies with partners like SAE International and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
