Charging network plan aims to encourage electric mobility
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
In SA, BMW and Nissan eventually gave up waiting for government agencies to fulfil their promises to install the infrastructure to support electric vehicles and instead did it themselves. While governments in Europe have been a little more proactive, the speed with which infrastructure is being installed is not fast enough to enable a significant shift in the batteryelectric vehicle (BEV) market.
Car companies are continuing to work with government agencies across Europe, but BMW Group, Daimler, Ford and the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche have signed a memorandum of understanding to create the highest-powered charging network in Europe.
The goal is the quick build-up of a sizeable number of stations to enable long-range travel for BEV drivers.
FASTER
The projected ultra-fast highpowered charging network with power levels up to 350kW will be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system deployed today. The build-up is planned to start in 2017.
“This high-power charging network provides motorists with another strong argument to move towards electric mobility,” says Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG.
“The BMW Group has initiated numerous public charging infrastructure projects over the past years. The joint project is another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to rampup e-mobility.”
An initial target of about 400 sites in Europe is planned. By 2020 motorists should have access to thousands of highpowered charging points. The goal is to enable long-distance travel through open-network charging stations along highways and major thoroughfares, which has not been feasible for most BEV drivers. The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refuelling at conventional fuel stations.
The network will be based on Combined Charging System (CCS) standard technology. The planned charging infrastructure expands the existing technical standard for AC and DC charging of electric vehicles to the next level of capacity for DC fast charging with up to 350kW. BEVs that are engineered to accept this full power of the charge stations can recharge brand-independently in a fraction of the time of today’s BEVs.
“The breakthrough of emobility requires two things: convincing vehicles and a comprehensive charging infrastructure. With our new brand EQ, we are launching our electric product offensive: by 2025, our portfolio will include more than 10 fully electric passenger cars. Together with our partners, we are installing the highest-powered charging infrastructure in Europe,” says Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
LONG-DISTANCE
“The availability of high-power stations allows long-distance emobility for the first time and will convince more customers to opt for an electric vehicle.”
The vehicle manufacturers intend to make substantial investments to create the network, underscoring each company’s belief in the future of electric mobility. Other manufacturers will be encouraged to participate in the network to establish convenient charging solutions for BEV customers.