Technology specialists Siemens and infrastructure experts FCC have joined forces to develop and implement electric vehicles in Spain in a bid for the companies to become leaders in electric vehicles.
Siemens will act as a technology partner and provide the technology related to charging systems and FCC will be in charge of building the charging infrastructure.
José Manuel Tejera, general manager of the mobility division at Siemens said: “This agreement represents a perfect match between the two partners’ strengths.”
The technology contributed by Siemens for the Epos charging stations is made up of a central charging point and two satellites, allowing vehicles to charge slowly (6-8 hours) or quickly (1-2 hours).
Epos technology is modular and can be configured as either a single charging station or a central charging station with up to 10 satellite charging points. This system allows vehicles to be charged in series, which is useful, for example, in multi-floor car parks at train stations.
FCC’s division head, Santiago Ruiz said: “We have the necessary skills to be leaders in the development of electric mobility facilities. This agreement with Siemens will enable us to maintain our position as a sector leader and prepare us to roll out the technology on a large scale when the time comes.”
The agreement will allow the collection of data on the pilot test, usage and mobility patterns and charging performance, which will help simulate the day-to-day experience of using an electric vehicle.
It is thought the first mass-produced electric vehicles will be available at the end of 2011.
