ABB DC fast charge stations will allow rapid recharging of electric vehicles EVs). Depending on the battery and vehicle type, recharged range of greater than 100km in less than 10min is readily achievable. As battery technology advances further, recharging will become available with the speed and simplicity of a fuel stop:
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| A Nissan \'Leaf\' EV charging from an ABB unit. |
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In terms of electric vehicle charging, keeping the heavy and expensive power electronics and filters required for high power charging outside of the EV and in a common and shared piece of infrastructure allows the vehicle weight and cost to be reduced. The EV will still include a low power onboard charger to allow the use of standard existing power outlets and AC charging poles, but this can be optimised in size and cost.
ABB's vast experience with grid infrastructure and power electronics will enable the deployment of infrastructure solutions including fast charging stations at a sustainable cost, enabling e-mobility as a mass market transport solution.
Commitment to E-mobility:
ABB develops efficient components and systems to charge EVs. It commits itself:
1) Towards the driver
- Enabling safe recharging at the desired speed
- Delivering a simple and intuitive solution for ease of use.
2) Towards utilities and infrastructure providers
- Providing integrated and smart charging solutions
- Preparing the grid for the challenges e-mobility brings.
3) Towards the environment
Making individual mobility become more sustainable
- Allowing for e-mobility powered by renewables
- Power and speed.
The time to charge an EV depends on the power available from the charger to fill the battery pack. Short charging times, especially for larger vehicles, require high power. ABB's range of DC fast chargers will support very fast charging even for heavy vehicles, and as battery types able to support these rates of charge become widespread the traditional range limitation of EVs will disappear, enabling long distance journeys and high use fleet vehicles.
Charging speed is also dependent on vehicle type, with large heavy EVs requiring more power for a rapid charge because of their larger battery capacity.
Acquisition expands EV infrastructure:
In a recent development, ABB has announced the acquisition of Epyon B.V., an early leader in EV charging infrastructure solutions focusing on direct current (DC) fast-charging stations and network charger software. The acquisition is in line with ABB's strategy to expand its global offering of electric vehicle infrastructure solutions.
"This acquisition gives ABB access to competitive products, key network management software, and a robust maintenance service business model, which ideally complements our own offering," said Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB's Discrete Automation and Motion division. Founded in 2005, Epyon is headquartered in Rijswijk, Netherlands, has an R&D center in Eindhoven and sales resources across Europe. Both parties agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction. Epyon's 50 staff worldwide will join ABB when the acquisition is completed.
"ABB's brand recognition and strong global presence will accelerate the growth of a combined Epyon - ABB offering, and provide access to key customers and partners,'' said Hans Streng, Epyon's CEO who led the company over the last year and who will stay as an experienced industrial leader of the combined business. "Epyon's existing business is complemented by ABB's strong power electronics platform, global manufacturing footprint as well as its supply, marketing and service network."
The growing number of EVs is driving a global market opportunity for charging solutions including supporting technologies to equip the electrical grid with more sophisticated monitoring systems and software. EV charging station unit sales are expected to multiply rapidly over the next five years, and reach 1.6m units globally by 2015, according to Pike Research.
Epyon's DC fast-charging stations have been in commercial use since May 2010, and reduce charging time to 15 minutes compared to 6-8 hours using a standard alternating current (AC) charger outlet. This equipment and software also enables the charging station owner to monitor conditions and requirements of the station, linking billing and administrative needs. It provides a range of different charging methods for each of the station connections, enabling it to tailor charging to various start conditions, power requirements and charging times.
This strategic purchase follows and is line with last year's investment in San Francisco-based ECOtality, a clean electric transportation and storage technologies company, which enabled ABB to enter North America's EV charging market.
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