ABB rolls out second phase of high power fast charger network across Europe
ABB has received an order for a further 324, 350 kW high-power electric vehicle (EV) fast charger system for the IONITY network. The chargers are to be rolled out in 24 countries by the end of 2020 as part of the second phase of its network expansion. Financial details of the order were not disclosed.
ABB was commissioned in 2018 to deliver 340 high-power charger systems to IONITY and was the first to market in Europe with 350 kW chargers featuring liquid cooled cables. The high power level provides capacity for a range of 200 km in as little as 8 minutes, although there arn’t yet any vehicles that can handle this power level through the on board charger (OBC).
IONITY is a joint venture of BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, as well as the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche, and has opened 202 charging sites across 18 European countries. The 200th charging station was opend in Lully, Switzerland, and includes ABB’s 350kW custom IONITY chargers.
“ABB is one of our preferred technology partners for high-power chargers all over Europe. With their new customized design launched with IONITY, they are continuing to expand the market. They have developed a very small footprint for the dispenser unit in our new IONITY design,” said Michael Hajesch, Managing Director at IONITY.
The custom chargers are ABB’s slimmest design to date and perfectly align with IONITY’s design needs. The new chargers also benefit from other improved design features including quieter operation, a bespoke display and longer cables with integrated cable management retraction making it easier to reach the charging port on all car models and ensuring cables are always kept off the ground and therefore dirt free for users.
“Our collaboration with IONITY represents the coming together of two like-minded organizations, committed to driving a greener and more sustainable future for all. IONITY is a great partner because dedicated solutions can jointly be developed due to the magnitude of the rollout,” said Frank Muehlon, Head of ABB’s global business for E-mobility Infrastructure Solutions.
“We have been proud to support IONITY in the initial phase of its EV charging network roll-out and are very much looking forward to our ongoing work with them to build a comprehensive, pan European, high-power charging network. IONITY’s aim is to make long distance European travel as feasible for electric vehicles as for fossil-fueled vehicles and with this latest extension to our supply agreement, we are another step closer to achieving that mission,” he added.
Plug-in vehicle sales in Europe reached 408,000 units in 2018, 33 percent higher year on year, with Europe predicted to pull ahead of the US as the number two EV market in the 2020s, driven by tightening fuel economy regulations and growing commitments from domestic car makers.
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