The Combined Charging System project is supported by Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen, who have all agreed on a single-port recharging technology which could be used in Europe and the United States.

It uses one-phased AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging for home use and ultra-fast DC charging for public stations, meaning future vehicles will be able to use almost any outlet. The project is also aimed at rolling out a more affordable public recharging infrastructure.

Industry bodies the International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and ACEA have both approved the technology for new vehicles. Commercially available charging stations with the technology will be available this year, with compatible vehicles to follow in 2013.